Hugh Philp was born in 1783 and died in 1856.  In 1819 he was appointed the official clubmaker to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. He set up his shop next to the 18th hole of the Old Course (which shop Tom Morris eventually took over and used). Philp's reputation as an outstanding clubmaker was quickly established, and he became renowned for his work during his lifetime. His penchant for being meticulous was legendary. His clubs were the gold standard.

The Philp long spoon offered here is an absolute brilliant club, sleek and stunning as can be. The head is long at 5 7/8" in length with a 2" width and 1" face depth.  An unexpected, meaningful element is the 5/16" thick horn. Thick horn, and this is a really thick horn, is a feature found primarily on very early woods.  

The head is stamped, "H. Philp" with a small spot of wood under the first two letters.  The discoloration appears original to the wood. The letters H and P are stamped on top of it, but are only faintly visible at this point. 

 There is a notable 1 1/4" crack on the sole originating from the heel side of the lead. It does not extend up onto the top of the head. Instead, it runs only an inch or so onto the sole.   Original 42 1/4" shaft and coated sheepskin grip (with most of the varnish on the grip worn off).

The lines of this head are simply gorgeous, with a generous amount of hook to the face.  No, this club is not perfect, but don't kid yourself into thinking the dark spot and short sole crack render this club anything less than the supremely great club that it is. The finish, the tighlty cross filed face, the wonderfully thick horn, thin neck, hand-hewn slender shaft, sheepskin grip, and the sleek, elegant lines of this head—everything is Hugh Philp's original work and its magnificence is readily seen.

Just a point in passing. Some people will reject a club because they focus on a few things that aren't quite perfect, missing the bigger picture. Don't be one of them.