Lot 531
  • 531

TWO GOLF CLUBS FITTED WITH PATENT BAMBOO COMPOUND SHAFTS: A "BAMFAR" AND A "PALAKONA", 1920s/30s

bidding is closed

Description

The iron head of the "Bamfar" stamped "Mid iron / Hoylake / Special"



Shaft is stamped "Bamfar / Pat. Applied For" and with a leather grip



Bulger head wood stamped "'Palakona' / [Regd.]"



Top of the shaft stamped "'Palakona' / Regd. / Trade mark / By Hardy Bros. Ltd. / Alnwick / England / Whpy" and fitted with an unusual cork grip

Literature

TCA p. 511; TCA2 Vol. 2 p. 644

Condition

The iron in overall very good condition with the leading edge and toe having a fair number of nicks. The wood in overall very good condition with areas of loss to the black paint on the clubhead. 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.

Catalogue Note

Dating from the end of the hickory shaft era, the two companion clubs here are examples of traditional fishing rod makers diversifying into the golf market, the Cross Rod & Tackle Co. patenting their "Bamfar" shaft while the world-famous Hardy Brothers patented the "Palakona." The former is rarer. Both shafts are constructed in hexagonal cross-section from lengthwise strips of bamboo, a construction method very similar to that of a fishing rod.