Rare 1880's Anderson Track Iron

         Track irons, also called rut irons, are among the most sought-after 19th century irons. For many years, they were only used in dire circumstances - such as when a ball was stuck in a rut or cart track thus making use of a longnose wood impossible (and hence the name track iron or rut iron). The change towards their use in regular play is attributed to Young Tom Morris:

"Young Tom Morris made use of iron clubs for ordinary approach shots popular and had a great deal to do with the development of iron clubs in consequence. It is said that he started using the rutter for playing approach shots to the green when faced with the need to carry a bunker" Golf In the Making, p. 176 (1990).

        The majority of early track irons do not contain the stamp of their maker. Presented here is the rare opportunity to obtain a circa 1880 track iron that was made (and is stamped as such) by James Anderson (of Anstruther). A strikingly similar example is showcased in both the first edition (pp. 115,120) and second edition (pp 131,139) of the most famous golf club book of all time, The Clubmaker's Art, by Jeffrey Ellis.

        This early Anderson track iron is in remarkable condition. It should be noted that the ball pictured below is not offered as part of this lot, but is only meant to demonstrate the small size of the track iron compared to later "rut niblick" examples or other irons of the day.