Very Early J. Gray
Smooth Face Iron

In 1910, collecting pioneer Harry B. Wood wrote that John Gray cleeks “are now regarded by collectors, in conjunction with “Carrick” clubs, as the best examples of hand-forged work.

“John Gray (1824-1903) was one of the first iron makers, or cleekmakers as they came to be called, to mark his work. It is believed that Gray initially marked his clubs “J. Gray,” as seen in his earliest clubs. Gray eventually began using “Jn. Gray,” the mark found on mot of his irons.” Clubmaker’s Art (2nd Ed.) by Jeffery B. Ellis, p. 125.

Offered here is one of those early “J. Gray” stamped hand-forged irons. And check out that cleek mark! In his book, Ellis goes on to state that many of Gray’s older irons have faint lettering; but not the offered club, as it has one of the deepest and clearest cleek marks ever seen on a John Gray club.

This high grade “J. Gray” smooth face iron dates to the 1860s, and contains an impressive North Berwick stamped shaft. The club measures 39 1/4” and contains a period replacement grip.