George Nicoll began making clubs in 1881. On August 14, 1893, he applied for a patent to cover the gutta percha inlaid on the face of this iron.  Gutta percha golf balls were in use when this iron was made, and Nicoll was trying to find a material that would grip the ball and prevent the "slipping" that could occur on a smooth face iron. Sometimes he used a leather insert.

An added feature unique to this club is the iron bar attached to the back using two large circular rivets.  This was done back in the day after the head was initially completed. Consequently the makers marks and other information stamped on this head are now covered over.  Only the patent number on the toe is still visible. 

The iron bar gives the club an additional dimension beyond the gutta percha face, which is an outstanding feature itself.  While this bar was not installed before the iron was initially sold, it was likely installed by Nicoll soon thereafter.  The work is clean, and the rivets on each end of the bar are perfect.  The iron used to form the bar also appears to be of the same age as the rest of the iron used to form the head.   

Nicoll did not complete his patent, so a patent was never issued for this club.  Judging from the rarity of these irons, they received little interest which would explain why Nicoll did not complete his patent application.  Then again, the problem could have been they were too light, given the iron removed from the face and the otherwise small head.  Hence the bar makes great sense!

 The 38 1/2" shaft appears original. The grip is modern sueded leather scuffed up in a small area. Read more about Nicoll’s gutta percha face cleek in The Clubmakers Art, 2nd Edition V2 p 392.