Among the most visual and storied antique golf clubs are Francis Brewster's Simplex clubs.   Brewster's first patent for his center-shafted creations was dated April 14, 1897.  He described his clubhead as boat-like, with a sole cambered both heel to toe and front to back and made from wood.  In 1897 Brewster produced a booklet that described how to golf with his clubs and how his clubs superseded irons. He even played in the 1899 British Open using his Simplex clubs. 

 In 1904 Brewster formed the Simplex Golf Association, hoping to bring new users to his clubs and method of play.  His 1906 patent called for making simplex clubs from aluminum, as it required great quantities of time and highly skilled craftsmanship to produced simplex clubheads from wood. Despite all of Brewster's efforts, Simplex clubs never caught on.  But they do strike a great pose!

This wooden Simplex fairway club is a fine example in all respects. The top of the head is stamped “Simplex Patent No. 9514, 1897".  The original 35 ¾” shaft has a replacement sueded leather grip that matches the period well. The finish is original. The brass face and sole is not worn.  There is a short crack in the top of the face, above the brass faceplate, that ends at the shaft.

Looking for a club with great eye appeal? With this center-shafted-like-a-hammer club, a person can see that it is unique from across a large room!

For more info on Brewster and his simplex clubs, see TCA2 Vol 1, p 240-242