A particularly handsome George Nicoll “GEM” hickory-shafted putter, made in Leven, Scotland, and dating from circa 1930 — around 100 years old.
The beautifully shaped metal head carries the GEM model name, the flowing George Nicoll signature and Nicoll’s distinctive Helping Hand cleek mark.
The GEM was one of George Nicoll’s recognised early putter designs, produced during the great hickory-shaft era of Scottish golf.
The evidence points to the early 20th-century inter-war period. Circa 1930 is a sensible date for this example, although the available evidence cannot establish an exact year and an earlier date in the early 1920s, or a later date into the mid-1930s, cannot be ruled out.
Despite its considerable age, this putter remains in remarkably good condition and is still a very playable club. The head retains its clear and strongly defined markings, together with the scratches, small marks and natural patination expected from many decades of use.
The club retains its handsome hickory wooden shaft, with rich colouring and prominent natural grain that contribute enormously to its character.
The old leather grip is particularly interesting. It incorporates a perforated section together with a smoother wrapped section towards the lower end, suggesting that the grip may have been repaired, reinforced or altered at some point during the club’s long life. There is a very small area of lifting or fraying at the lower edge. The distinctive pink/red screw-fixed butt cap is also present. The date of these alterations is unknown and they may themselves have been carried out many decades ago.
Beyond its continuing usefulness as a putter, this is an exceptionally evocative piece of Scottish golfing history.
The combination of the beautifully aged metal head, long hickory shaft, old leather grip and prominent George Nicoll markings gives the club considerable visual character. At around 100 years old, it is an object that can be appreciated quite independently of whether it is ever played again.
It could look superb displayed horizontally in a study, office, golf room, clubhouse, bar, pub or hotel, incorporated into an interior with other traditional sporting pieces, or simply displayed as part of a collection of golfing memorabilia.
For a golfer, it also offers something that a modern decorative reproduction cannot: a genuine old club that has survived from the early decades of the game and still bears the evidence of its long working life.
A wonderful opportunity to own and display a characterful circa 1930 George Nicoll GEM, equally appealing as a usable hickory putter and as a tangible piece of Scotland’s golfing heritage.
Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
£119.95 o.n.o. - realistic offers will be considered
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