All-One Golf Club

Q: I have an old golf club marked “Goodrich Sales Co., All-One, Pat’d Jan. 6, 1914, Chicago.” I’ve sketched the mark that’s on the back of the head. The club has a hickory shaft, a leather grip, and a twist knob for adjusting the angle of the head. I’d like to know more about it and if it’s valuable.

A: The difference between the various iron golf clubs used by players is the length of the shaft and the angle of the striking surface. The angle determines the loft and spin on the ball. The part where the head connects to the shaft is called the “hosel.” The invention of a club with an adjustable head meant that one club could be used instead of several clubs with different heads. The first patent for an adjustable golf club was issued in 1895. The patent for your club was issued to Charles N. Curry in 1914 and assigned partly to Latimer Goodrich and Charles Evans Jr. Clubs with adjustable heads are still being made today. Value of your club, if in good condition: $1,200.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brunswick Pool Table

Q: I bought this pool table from a friend about 30 years ago. I also have the original balls, ball racks, counters, and shelf storage for cue sticks and balls. Can you tell me how old it is and what it is worth?

A:

The company that made your pool table was founded by John Moses Brunswick. It started out as the Cincinnati Carriage Making Co. The company began making billiard tables in 1845. It merged with Julius Balke’s Great Western Billiard Table Manufactory in 1873 and the name was changed to The J.M. Brunswick and Balke Co. After another merger in 1884, it became The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. and was the world’s largest billiard table manufacturer. A table similar to yours was made by Brunswick-Balke-Collender from 1913 to 1915, but it did not have metal corners. The company name was changed to Brunswick Corp. in 1960. It’s still in business, with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois. The company’s website,

www.BrunswickBilliards.com

, pictures many of its antique tables. The company might be able to help you date your table.

 

 

Bee Line Mark

The weather is good and golfers are making a beeline for the links. Wright & Ditson Co. of Boston used this mark on its Bee Line golf clubs from c.1915 to 1930. The company was founded by George Wright and Harold Ditson in 1871. A.G. Spalding & Brothers bought an interest in the company in 1891, and both companies’ clubs were made in the same factory. The name Wright & Ditson was used on clubs until the 1940s.