A LONG-NOSED SCRAPER (LONG SPOON), 18TH CENTURY

Apple head with ram's horn insert to bottom of sole below face



Markedly hooked head



Very faint evidence of a stamp, possibly that of a maker



Three lead weight plugs in sole



Further lead back weight protruding out well beyond the back of the head



Wood shaft of unidentified wood with listing grip sewn closed at top

TGC p. 21; TCA p. 42; TCA 2 Vol. 1 p. 40

Exceptionally fine, virtually unused condition. Two minor cracks to crown of head, near toe. Please note that most lots describe a basic overall condition status. Please note that it is the nature of this type of memorabilia to be in excellent or very good condition and still have some age wear. To request individual detailed condition reports, please contact Lisa Ladish or Kevin Schwartz in Sotheby's Collectibles Department.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1790, Hoyle recounts the names given to three different types of long nose clubs: "the common club, used when the ball lies on good ground; the scraper or half-scraper, when in long grass; the spoon, when in a hollow."

As early Scottish links courses were tended most by its resident sheep, the rough was truly that. Golfers needed a heavy and hearty club. Therefore, the scraper was designed with a good load of lead and a fair amount of loft for effective use in high grass and tough rough, much like today's rescue clubs. With a 43 inch shaft, this scraper was the same length as many 19th century play clubs (drivers).

From the 1700's, this scraper features a combination of characteristics not found in 1800's clubs. The head is exceptionally long, has an elegant bend at the neck and is heavily curved with most of the loft at the heel of the face. On the top of the head, knots are visible in the light area of the wood (the wood was so dense that it was unable to absorb the stain). The base of the shaft is cut straight across and its edge is unbeveled. The top of the head, which has curved lettering too faint to read, rounds down to meet it. The lead weight bulges out from the back of the head and there are three more round lead plugs or "buttons" inserted into the sole.  The original whipping consists of thick twine; the listing grip is sewn closed at the top. 

This club was made for a serious golfer, surely well-to-do. For a club of its age, it is in exceptional condition. A very early, rare and special club.

Please see group photo on page 193 for an additional photo of this scraper.