In 1966, Karsten Solheim introduced the PING Anser putter and it literally revolutionized the world of putters. It took the market by storm and after Karsten's patent on the putter expired, other manufacturers began to produce and sell copies as soon at they could.  In the years since, every major club manufacturer has produced a wide variety of copies. 

This Ping Anser offered here is a 1967 Phoenix 85029 Dalehead model, produced for Slazenger in the UK, endorsed by Jack Nicklaus and marked with his name. In early 1967, Karsten Solheim entered into an agreement with Mark McCormick, the agent for Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, that allowed Slazenger of England to sell PING putters bearing the endorsement of Nicklaus.  This agreement lasted approximately three years.   ATPWP  p 92-94, 100

This head on this 35 1/2" putter is made from the same mold used to produced the initial "K-model" (Karsten's work) Ansers that bore a "Scottsdale" address and had a flat sole (the A-models [Allens's modification] were  produced at the same time but had a rocker sole). When making his first Karsten Co. Ansers, Karsten changed only the mold's address plate, to show that he had renamed his business "Karsten Co." and moved his manufacturing location to Phoenix. Consequently, the back of this head is marked "Karsten Co." with a Phoenix address. 

The "Made in USA" typically found under the city, state, and zip in the cavity on this model is not there.  It was ground out on the address plate used in the mold to make this particular putter. This is not an aftermarket alteration, but was made prior to Slazenger selling the putter.

These Karsten Co. duplicates of the Scottsdale Anser—the metal and head shapes are identical—were in high demand and used across the years by many notable PGA Tour players. The first 58 ever shot on a professional golf tour was accomplished by Stephen Jaeger on July 28, 2016, who used—you guessed it—a 1967 Karsten Co. Dalehead Anser. 

In excellent condition, this putter exhibits minimal bag wear and retains its wonderful original patina. There is some light staining visible on the sole, as shown in the accompanying images. The square Line-rite grip is original and still features the Ping grip collar, a rare and desirable detail.

The original shaft remains intact and includes a portion of its original Slazenger shaft band. It measures 8 1/2" to the first step. The putter also bears a "Made in USA" marking low in the bottom of the cavity.

As a noteworthy detail, PING never produced Nicklaus Ansers with the Scottsdale address. This Nicklaus Karsten Co. model is considered the pinnacle of Nicklaus Anser putters, making it a top-tier acquisition for collectors.