Though most "rake" irons were water irons with the prongs facing upward, another rare variation was the downward prong rake iron that was intended for use in sand or high grass. Offered here is a scarce circa 1904 Higgs "Deliverer" Rake Iron. This club was forged by Tom Stewart, as it bears Stewart's iconic pipe cleekmark. 

According to The Clubmaker's Art by Jeff Ellis, despite initial positive reviews from the likes of Vardon, Taylor, and Braid, "the Higgs Deliver with its downward teeth was of little practical value." Ellis goes on to state that irons with downward teeth are "extremely rare," and Ellis had only seen six Higgs Deliverers - and two of those are on display at the British Golf Museum in St Andrews. Therefore, the offered club is one of perhaps 4 known in private hands. 

The offered club is in remarkable condition with bold stamping.  36 1/2"

This piece is being offered today from the famed Ronnie Watts Collection