Lot # 174: Shiva Putter w/orig Oval Steel Shaft 1914

Category: Vintage Golf Clubs

Starting Bid: $100.00

Bids: 5 (Bid History)

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Describing this putter and its hollow steel oval shaft in its March 1914 issue, Golf Monthly published:

Winton & Co., are producing still another putter which ought to meet with a ready sale. It is named the “Shiva,"and is made entirely of steel.  It is a type of wry-knecked /sic/ putter with a long blade, and is being made in various weights. The shaft is an oval steel tube, and the handle can be made round, square, or kept the same shape as the shaft" (p.144).

This example measures 35" in length and still has its original grip.  The Diamond Cleemark on the head is that of Winton & Co.  The black finish given to the shaft and head is original and lightly oxidized. There is a slight offset created by the curve in the hosel and the slightly angled lower portion of the shaft, to increase even more the offset of the ball to the golfer's hands. Steel made it easier for clubmakers to produce and try such features.

This putter did not conform to the Rules when it was produced, as steel shafts were not conforming in the UK under R&A rules for 14 more years and USGA rules until 10 years later.  So, when it was produced its chances for success were limited. 

For more about this putter see TCA2 v.2 p.657