Circa 1850's Featherie Golf Ball

        Modern collectors have long been fascinated with the featherie golf ball. The earliest examples, as well as those stamped by the famous ballmakers of the time such as Allan Robertson, James Gourlay and Old Tom Morris, can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. Presented here is a very interesting featherie golf ball. This ball is estimated to be from circa 1850, at the very end of the featheries' reign in favor of the modern gutta percha ball. One will first note that the seams of this featherie golf ball are exposed, contrary to the popular style of ballmakers such as Tom Morris and Allan Robertson. But make no mistake about it, while this golf ball may not be the work of a Morris or a Gourlay, it is a fine example of an 1850's featherie, and it remains in remarkable condition. This exact ball was purchased by famed golfer Joe Kirkwood, Sr. when he traveled to the Open Championship in the 1920's. Kirkwood won 13 times on the PGA Tour between 1923-1933, but is probably best known as the trick shot artist that traveled the world playing golf exhibitions with Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen. This featherie golf ball comes with a handwritten 2003 letter from Kirkwood's son, Ron Kirkwood.