This lot consists of an old cast iron ball press, likely made sometime in the second half of the 19th century, and a smooth gutty ball mold stamped "W&J Dunn" (Willie and Jamie Dunn) and MGC (Musselburgh Golf Club).  If the stamps on the head were installed prior to the death of Jamie Dunn in 1871, the mold would have been used to make smooth gutty balls that were hand-hammered to their final form. While the mold is genuine, the auctioneer cannot vouch for the stamps.   Because the letters were installed one at a time, there is cause for concern. Maybe they are old, maybe they are new, relatively speaking. The buyer will need to determine the originality of the letters on the mold for themselves.

No matter if the stamps are old or new, the mold itself is definitely old—the earliest style of golf ball mold ever made.  

The mold weighs 8 lbs and measures 8" tall and 3 1/2" in diameter. The press is 24 lbs and measures 10 1/2" wide and 12" tall.  Turning the handle atop of the press will tighten or loosen the mold inside the press.  This item is really heavy and in working order.

The smooth gutty ball shown in the mold in one of the pictures is not part of this lot.  It is offered separately in this auction.