Antique hickory golf club; bulldog style spoon; 18*, 42 1/4", D-0; vintage golf

Description

This is a "bulldog" style spoon made by William (Willie) V Hoare.  Born in England in 1876 Hoare moved to the United States in 1896.  He had two nice US Open finishes, 5th in 1897 and T6 in 1898.  His first club job was at the Philadelphia Cricket Club beginning in 1896.  He was one of the co-founders of the PGA of America in 1916 and about that time became a manager for Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
There is an oval name stamp with W V HOARE and SPECIAL on the crown.  The same stamp appears on the shaft just below the grip.
The shaft is solid and straight.
The brass plate is in nice condition, no dents or dings.  The plate screws have been out and reset with epoxie.  New whipping has been added to the neck for strength.  The grip is a new leather wrap, rough side out.
The face insert is tight and the pegs are secure.  There are owner's initials "G. B. W." on the crown above the HOARE name stamp.  There are very few signs of play on this one.
Bulldogs are always shorter and lighter but this one is very playable.  It is 41 3/4" long to the sharply curved edge of the brass plate and 42 1/4" to the flat of the sole.  It has a loft of 18* and the swing weight is a very nice D-0.
Take it out of the box and put it into your play set.  Buy with confidence.
I ship ONLY to the USA.