Perforated face irons are among the most desirable antique patent clubs ever made. This perforated face "Hero of the Hazard" James Brown water iron is from the collection of the World Golf Hall of Fame, and was previously on display at the Hall of Fame for many years. The WGHOF inventory number 338 is discreetly written on the sole. There is some wear and light oxidation in places, but overall this is an excellent club with a distinguished heritage!  

In 1904 James Winton, a well-respected clubmaker in Montrose, Scotland, offered an array of perforated-face water and rake irons designed and patented by James Brown, a blacksmith in Montrose. Deemed the "Heros of the Hazards," Brown irons were designed to help golfers hit shots from water, sand, and high grass. Despite being the most visual of clubs created during the early 20th century, they never really caught on.  Some golfers tried them but soon learned the clubs did not work very well. It's in the failed attempts of the most creative clubmaking ideas that some of the greatest golf collectibles are born, which is why all of Brown's perforated face irons are outstanding collectibles. 

The James Brown perforated driving mashie offered here is among the rarest clubs from Brown's family of water/rake irons. The face scoring on this example consists of an intricate flower pattern flanked by three open slots on each side of the face.  The back shows the bracing used to reinforce the face and is marked "Brown's Patent." The original 40" shaft still retains its original leather-wrapped grip.

Letter of Authenticity from the World Golf Hall of Fame