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A Note on Authenticity: All club photos in my listings are real, original photographs of the actual item for sale — no AI involved. The only exception is my “Daily Enchanter” gazette-style graphic, a fun, clearly-labeled creative piece for marketing flair, not a representation of the product itself.
A genuine antique splice-neck brassie by Martin & Kirkaldy, “Special” — distributed through Frank Lugg Co. of Liverpool — bearing one of the most historically significant names in Scottish golf on a beautifully preserved wood head with original hickory shaft.
The Partnership:
The “Kirkaldy” in Martin & Kirkaldy refers to Andrew Kirkaldy — one of the most celebrated and outspoken figures in Victorian golf. He tied for the Open Championship in 1889, losing the playoff to Willie Park Jr., and was also runner-up in 1879 and 1891. Born in Denhead in 1860, he served as professional at Royal Winchester in 1892 before returning to St Andrews, where he was appointed honorary professional to the R&A in 1910. His partner, Robert Bell Martin, was a native of Linlithgow.  Together they produced clubs under the Martin & Kirkaldy name — a partnership combining Martin’s clubmaking expertise with Kirkaldy’s celebrated playing reputation.
The Liverpool Distributor:
Frank Lugg Co. of Liverpool distributed Martin & Kirkaldy clubs to the English market — placing this club firmly in the era of Scottish makers supplying premium clubs through regional English sporting goods distributors. Liverpool was one of England’s most active golfing cities of the era, home to several prestigious clubs including Royal Liverpool (Hoylake).
Item Details:
• Splice-neck brassie (fairway wood), “Special” premium model
• All stamps confirmed from photos
• Original hickory shaft with original whipping intact
• Honest patina throughout, not over-cleaned or refinished
Condition: Good for age. Beautiful natural persimmon patina. Whipping intact. All stampings clearly legible. See photos for full detail.
A genuinely interesting piece connecting Andrew Kirkaldy — one of Victorian golf’s most celebrated figures — to a Liverpool distributor through a premium “Special” brassie, making this one of the more historically traceable stamps in the English hickory wood market. Message with any questions — happy to provide more photos or measurements
