This circa 1898 Craigpark Special machine line cut gutta percha golf ball was part of the famous Harry B. Wood Collection. It still contains the well-recognized small paper label bearing Wood's handwritten date and notation. These labels were created by Wood in order to display his grand collection of memorabilia in the late 1800s and very early 1900s. Harry B. Wood began his collection in 1868, just two years after the Royal & Ancient announced their own intentions to assemble a museum. Few golf antiques share the provenance and history of items from the Harry B. Wood Collection. Harry B. Wood assembled, cataloged, and displayed approximately 175 golf balls for his legendary collection. In his original display case, this 1898 Craigpark Special is listed as ball #108. See The Story of the Golf Ball by KW McGimpsey, p. 43.

This 1898 Craigpark Special gutty golf ball is in very good condition, and retains 95% of its original paint. The “Craigpark Special” lettering is rather easily readable, which is rare for this ball with its faint stamping. The ball is also stamped with its size - 27 1/2. Harry B. Wood's original label is in Fair to Good overall condition and contains an easily readable 1898 date.