Perforated face irons are among the most desirable antique patent clubs ever made. This is a perforated face "Hero of the Hazard" James Brown water iron.  

In 1904 James Winton, a well-respected clubmaker in Montrose, Scotland, offered an array of perforated-face water and rake irons designed and patented by James Brown, a blacksmith in Montrose. Deemed the "Heroes of the Hazards," Brown irons were designed to help golfers hit shots from water, sand, and high grass. Despite being the most visual of clubs created during the early 20th century, they never really caught on.  Some golfers tried them but soon learned the clubs did not work very well. It's in the failed attempts of the most creative clubmaking ideas that some of the greatest golf collectibles are born, which is why all of Brown's perforated face irons are outstanding collectibles. 

The James Brown perforated cleek offered here is among the rarest clubs from Brown's family of water/rake irons. The face on this example includes an intricate flower pattern flanked by three open slots on the toe and two on the heel. The back shows the bracing used to reinforce the face, and a good portion of “Brown’s Patent” still remains. The original 40" shaft retains its original leather-wrapped grip. In beautiful condition with the lion’s share of the intricate flower pattern on the face still clearly visible.