Circa 1850s John Gray Iron

According to the seminal work on golf clubs by Jeff Ellis, The Clubmaker's Art, the two greatest early iron makers were John Gray and the Carricks. In the 1850s, "no self respecting golfers would assemble a set without a clerk or iron 'hand forged by John Gray of Prestwick'." The Clubmakers Art (2nd Edition) by Jeffery B Ellis, p. 137. 

Offered here is a very early example of John Gray's work. This iron contains the early "J. Gray" stamp, whereas a vast majority of known Gray clubs contain the later Jn. Gray marking. This club is unquestionably the earliest work of Gray that we have ever offered, and the fact that the club exhibits such a bold stamp makes this club almost unimprovable. 

This circa 1850s iron measures 39" long with a very thick ash shaft.