No new acquistions...?

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

This arrived today, all original and very lightly played.

It's hickory baffie loft (19 degrees) fairway wood at a nice swing weight and a stout straight shaft, undoubtably a great gamer.

The name on the crown reads 'Aubrey Boomer's Own'.

Aubrey won a load of continental Europe titles from his base at Paris St Cloud, was runner-up in our Open and played Ryder Cup at my ex home Club of Moortown, Leeds, 1929. He and his well known brother, Percy, hailed from Grouville, Jersey.

I'm excited !!😍

 

[Foozle]

This Olimar wood is a recent pick up.

I don't think many have made it across to this side of the pond so quite scarce here in the UK.

[Bigarch]

1 hour ago, Foozle said:

This Olimar wood is a recent pick up.

I don't think many have made it across to this side of the pond so quite scarce here in the UK.

Great looking club.  Loved the old original Orlimar stuff.  Ken Venturi was an Orlimar guy. The irons were absolutely simple and stunning at the same time.  A member at the club I worked at in college had a set of them and I thought they were gorgeous.  His name was Morris "Blackie" Shapiro... one of the all time great names and great guys.

[Foozle]

This Carbite wedge is another random pick up!

The face seems remarkably similar to MacGregors Flame Ceramic. Even the promo material refers to space technology and high temperature resistance etc.

I have seen the face material referred to as "Fuzzy fibres" but also know Fuzzy Zoeller was used to promote them so not really sure which "Fuzzy" is being referred to?

No idea what "Polar Balanced" means!

I have yet to try but imagine it will be pretty grippy! Quite like the way it sits, high toe and sole shape. Is it legal?

Edited October 20, 2023 by Foozle
Spelling

[bcstones]

1 minute ago, Foozle said:

No idea what "Polar Balanced" means!

Perhaps the Polar Balance will cause the club head to point north (or south) when the club is perfectly balanced on a fulcrum...🤣

[bcstones]

I got ahold of these clubs yesterday via the fb marketplace. The first pic is from Kaplan's Hillerick & Bradsby guide - Page 1  1956 Professional. Interesting notations in the book on the models.

 

The woods, reg #4025S*, are persimmon, shaft is TT Rocket S, the grips are Golf Pride Rib-Lock.

 

The irons, reg #4590S*, have similar shafts & grips as the woods. All are same reg.#...wonder what 'S' & the '*' mean (perhaps S for Stiff?). Kinda similar to Wilson Staff Dyna-Power circa 1958? Also interesting, it "Citation" on the sole...and no mention of it in the catalog.

 

The putter has no maker mark, the shaft band is totally unreadable. I'm guessing the markings on the putter sole, 4 leaf clover 7-11 4 leaf clover, might have something to do w/Lady Luck 😂 Anyway, that green red leather grip is a perfect comment on the art of putting 🥸🤣

 

The bag is heavy canvas & leather, Double Eagle. From a wee search, I could find little about the Company, did find some for sale stating 40s, 50s & 80s. Don't know if they're still around. The bag does have a canvas cover on the inside (have to remove the dividers to get the cover up). Zippers need some lubrication (I was thinking gun oil...or is there something better). The handle is gone & the strap has leather that's falling apart, but the canvas is ok. 

I'm wondering if there might be a place to refurbish the bag (the rip is repairable, cuz there is lining behind it)....or it can be my project - oh, yeah! ADD IT TO THE LIST🙃

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 22, 2023 by bcstones

[cold_war_era_golfer]

@bcstonesThat is a great find!  I have found a few very similar head covers from some of my finds.  They don't make em like that any more!

 

[bcstones]

53 minutes ago, cold_war_era_golfer said:

@bcstonesThat is a great find!  I have found a few very similar head covers from some of my finds.  They don't make em like that any more!

 

the outside is pretty messed up...however there is a nice soft inner lining still totally intact as far as I can tell.

 

[BIG STU]

On 10/20/2023 at 12:45 PM, Foozle said:

This Carbite wedge is another random pick up!

The face seems remarkably similar to MacGregors Flame Ceramic. Even the promo material refers to space technology and high temperature resistance etc.

I have seen the face material referred to as "Fuzzy fibres" but also know Fuzzy Zoeller was used to promote them so not really sure which "Fuzzy" is being referred to?

No idea what "Polar Balanced" means!

I have yet to try but imagine it will be pretty grippy! Quite like the way it sits, high toe and sole shape. Is it legal?

Conformity basically means if it has been submitted and approved even with legal grooves etc. If it is not on the "conforming" list then it is deemed "non conforming" As far as I am concerned I could give a fat baby fart less what the USGA or R&A say. I do not play stipulated events anymore so I play what I darn well please. If you play with me play what you want to you will not hear a peep from me

[BIG STU]

On 10/22/2023 at 2:24 PM, bcstones said:

I got ahold of these clubs yesterday via the fb marketplace. The first pic is from Kaplan's Hillerick & Bradsby guide - Page 1  1956 Professional. Interesting notations in the book on the models.

 

The woods, reg #4025S*, are persimmon, shaft is TT Rocket S, the grips are Golf Pride Rib-Lock.

 

The irons, reg #4590S*, have similar shafts & grips as the woods. All are same reg.#...wonder what 'S' & the '*' mean (perhaps S for Stiff?). Kinda similar to Wilson Staff Dyna-Power circa 1958? Also interesting, it "Citation" on the sole...and no mention of it in the catalog.

 

The putter has no maker mark, the shaft band is totally unreadable. I'm guessing the markings on the putter sole, 4 leaf clover 7-11 4 leaf clover, might have something to do w/Lady Luck 😂 Anyway, that green red leather grip is a perfect comment on the art of putting 🥸🤣

 

The bag is heavy canvas & leather, Double Eagle. From a wee search, I could find little about the Company, did find some for sale stating 40s, 50s & 80s. Don't know if they're still around. The bag does have a canvas cover on the inside (have to remove the dividers to get the cover up). Zippers need some lubrication (I was thinking gun oil...or is there something better). The handle is gone & the strap has leather that's falling apart, but the canvas is ok. 

I'm wondering if there might be a place to refurbish the bag (the rip is repairable, cuz there is lining behind it)....or it can be my project - oh, yeah! ADD IT TO THE LIST🙃

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I use WD-40 on metal zippers because the heavier gun oil may stain the fabric. Those grips on the irons can be refurbished with sandpaper or a stiff brush. If you regrip those can be a PITA to get off you will go through some razor blades. The last set I did I basically burned them off with my propane torch and man do they smoke and stink. Now the leather grips you posted seem to be in good shape and you can clean with saddle soap then soak them down with believe it or not 3 in 1 oil. wipe the oil off good and let soak in apply again if needed

[bcstones]

19 minutes ago, BIG STU said:

I use WD-40 on metal zippers because the heavier gun oil may stain the fabric. Those grips on the irons can be refurbished with sandpaper or a stiff brush. If you regrip those can be a PITA to get off you will go through some razor blades. The last set I did I basically burned them off with my propane torch and man do they smoke and stink. Now the leather grips you posted seem to be in good shape and you can clean with saddle soap then soak them down with believe it or not 3 in 1 oil. wipe the oil off good and let soak in apply again if needed

Thanks...tho, I use PB Blaster - it should do the same. Somewhere in that Kaplan's for H&B it mentions that the grips are "vulcanized cork"....does that meant "rubberized cork"? If so, I can only guess at the stinky smoke. However, they do seem to be in pretty good shape, there is even a slight reminder back...they feel okay. I may just wash them down w/dish soap & see what happens.
It's gonna be a rainy few days, so my plan, since the heads are SS, is to use 0000 Steel Wool saturated w/PB Blaster & follow up w/1500 - 3000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Wish I could find a source for crocus cloth.

I love the leather grip on the putter, also the "Lady Luck" on the sole....just don't have a great affinity for the shape of the putter head (looks like a fattened up spur putter - kinda sorta like the Hagen "Tom Boy"). Usually use saddle soap on all leathers (shoes, boots, slings, etc...). Tho I do think I might need to get some conditioner from Tandy in the upcoming months)

[bcstones]

@BIG STU Any suggestions on the woods. I don't know what is meant by "deep faced"....also interesting there is no whipping, it's plastic to the seperate ferrule....there's light scuff marks, no real peeling on any of them. These are '50s persimmon - does that mean these are the "old" persimmon vs the resurgence in the '80s(?) ?

[BIG STU]

33 minutes ago, bcstones said:

@BIG STU Any suggestions on the woods. I don't know what is meant by "deep faced"....also interesting there is no whipping, it's plastic to the seperate ferrule....there's light scuff marks, no real peeling on any of them. These are '50s persimmon - does that mean these are the "old" persimmon vs the resurgence in the '80s(?) ?

What they mean by deep face is the measurement from the crown to the sole in the face. A lot of the cheaper made woods along then used the plastic instead of whipping. They may be "old growth" but the quality may not be as good as say a Macgregor or Penna--- But still they may hit pretty good--. Looking at the pics I would say they may hit just as well as anything else. You know H&B made some great quality baseball bats. On the refinishing I would let someone more versed than I am answer that one

[Foozle]

On 10/22/2023 at 7:24 PM, bcstones said:

I got ahold of these clubs yesterday via the fb marketplace. The first pic is from Kaplan's Hillerick & Bradsby guide - Page 1  1956 Professional. Interesting notations in the book on the models.

 

The woods, reg #4025S*, are persimmon, shaft is TT Rocket S, the grips are Golf Pride Rib-Lock.

 

The irons, reg #4590S*, have similar shafts & grips as the woods. All are same reg.#...wonder what 'S' & the '*' mean (perhaps S for Stiff?). Kinda similar to Wilson Staff Dyna-Power circa 1958? Also interesting, it "Citation" on the sole...and no mention of it in the catalog.

 

The putter has no maker mark, the shaft band is totally unreadable. I'm guessing the markings on the putter sole, 4 leaf clover 7-11 4 leaf clover, might have something to do w/Lady Luck 😂 Anyway, that green red leather grip is a perfect comment on the art of putting 🥸🤣

 

The bag is heavy canvas & leather, Double Eagle. From a wee search, I could find little about the Company, did find some for sale stating 40s, 50s & 80s. Don't know if they're still around. The bag does have a canvas cover on the inside (have to remove the dividers to get the cover up). Zippers need some lubrication (I was thinking gun oil...or is there something better). The handle is gone & the strap has leather that's falling apart, but the canvas is ok. 

I'm wondering if there might be a place to refurbish the bag (the rip is repairable, cuz there is lining behind it)....or it can be my project - oh, yeah! ADD IT TO THE LIST🙃

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a fairly similar set of H&B Powerbilt Super irons and woods.

The irons are Reg T 4290 DTC and the woods 4016.

I am sure I got a date of 1956 from somewhere but am not sure how reliable or accurate that is?

All have leather wrap grips. The woods, like yours, have the plastic sheath up to a plastic ferrule.

They should clean up okay as will the stainless irons.

[bcstones]

3 minutes ago, Foozle said:

I have a fairly similar set of H&B Powerbilt Super irons and woods.

The irons are Reg T 4290 DTC and the woods 4016.

I am sure I got a date of 1956 from somewhere but am not sure how reliable or accurate that is?

All have leather wrap grips. The woods, like yours, have the plastic sheath up to a plastic ferrule.

They should clean up okay as will the stainless irons.

The 4016 woods & the T 4290 DTC SS Super are in the Kaplan's H&B guide on the 1953 Professional page...with "rollled edge perforated red calf grip" & "Dynamic" chrome shaft - for both...I checked years prior & after - 1953 is the only year those particular reg no's show 
Looking nice...great find. How long have you had them? Have you played them?

[Stephen8802]

I have that set if PowerBilt woods and they are among my favorites. Mine are also the PB deep face, but have the R shaft. Stu is correct in what deep face means, but a PB deep face is not as deep as a Macgregor deep face. My 402 driver is 1.7 inches deep, which is less than a Macgregor M75, which Macgregor didn’t consider deep. For Macgregor, 1.8 inches is deep and 1 15/16 is jumbo. Shallow is usually around 1.5 inches. 
 

They probably have whipping under the plastic. I haven’t refinished mine yet, but expect thin thread like whipping when I pull the plastic.

 

If you pull those grips, be reading for a tough day. Lots of heat, tools, and plan for rest. They are awful. Vulcanization is a process of applying heat, sulfur, and chemicals to make someone durable. Fiber inserts are vulcanized. They should have never done it to grips.
 

These are fabulous woods, old growth persimmon, air dried, and everything you want in a classic club. I think they are absolutely as good as Macgregor and they stayed good longer. My ‘66 PowereBilt driver is as good as anything I’ve ever hit, including classic Macgregors. You should either A) refinish and play them, or B) get them to someone who will. These are as good as woods come and those inserts are the best. If I didn’t have a set, I would be beating down your door.
 

 

[bcstones]

@Stephen8802 I have every intention of playing these. The face is ~1 5/8"....most of the other drivers, like Hogan measure at ~1 1/2", tho I do have a H&B PowerBilt driver N823L that is ~1 3/4" (but I can't seem to find any info on it. It could have been refinished, cuz it just shows the persimmon wood, no paint/stain over it, no mention of Citation on the sole...it is rather starkly beautiful. For some reason, feels like a '60s persimmon....don't know why it feels like that. 

 

I seem to remember you (or someone else just as knowledgeable) saying there was a fb persimmon refurbishing/restoring group - there are alot of Persimmon groups. Any chance of knowing which fb group?

Edited October 24, 2023 by bcstones

[Foozle]

3 hours ago, bcstones said:

The 4016 woods & the T 4290 DTC SS Super are in the Kaplan's H&B guide on the 1953 Professional page...with "rollled edge perforated red calf grip" & "Dynamic" chrome shaft - for both...I checked years prior & after - 1953 is the only year those particular reg no's show 
Looking nice...great find. How long have you had them? Have you played them?

I have had them for 2 or 3 years so probably should not have posted on this thread! 

I gave the irons a fairly basic clean up and treated the grips to some neatsfoot oil.

Along with the woods, they are in the queue for a more thorough clean up. I didn't get round to them last winter but hopefully this year.

I have hit a few on the range but not played a full round with them yet.

I would be embarrassed to say what I paid. Powerbilt is not a known brand on this side of the pond, or if they are it is in their more recent era as a budget brand. On the rare occasion it comes up, nobody seems to bid for the vintage stuff so sells for a fraction of, for example, Hogan, despite being, in my opinion, of similar quality.

[BIG STU]

6 hours ago, Foozle said:

I have a fairly similar set of H&B Powerbilt Super irons and woods.

The irons are Reg T 4290 DTC and the woods 4016.

I am sure I got a date of 1956 from somewhere but am not sure how reliable or accurate that is?

All have leather wrap grips. The woods, like yours, have the plastic sheath up to a plastic ferrule.

They should clean up okay as will the stainless irons.

1956 may or may not be spot on but it is near the general time. Lots of irons in the early to mid 50s had a similar shape and muscle except the 53 54 Spalding Top Flite and Tournament models. My Macgregor Toski Mighty Mites have a similar shape and were dated around 54 55 and look very similar to your PBs. Not a Wilson guru but most of the Wilson Top Notch irons have the same shape and muscle

[BIG STU]

5 hours ago, bcstones said:

@Stephen8802 I have every intention of playing these. The face is ~1 5/8"....most of the other drivers, like Hogan measure at ~1 1/2", tho I do have a H&B PowerBilt driver N823L that is ~1 3/4" (but I can't seem to find any info on it. It could have been refinished, cuz it just shows the persimmon wood, no paint/stain over it, no mention of Citation on the sole...it is rather starkly beautiful. For some reason, feels like a '60s persimmon....don't know why it feels like that. 

 

I seem to remember you (or someone else just as knowledgeable) saying there was a fb persimmon refurbishing/restoring group - there are alot of Persimmon groups. Any chance of knowing which fb group?

Go on FB and go to The Persimmon Golf Society. Really nice members on both sides of the big pond and are always willing to help out and have a vast amount of knowledge. Most of what I have learned on European and Asian only clubs I have learned on there

[bcstones]

6 hours ago, Foozle said:

would be embarrassed to say what I paid. Powerbilt is not a known brand on this side of the pond, or if they are it is in their more recent era as a budget brand. On the rare occasion it comes up, nobody seems to bid for the vintage stuff so sells for a fraction of, for example, Hogan, despite being, in my opinion, of similar quality.

Ah, go ahead…what did you pay? 
I think H&B (PowerBilt was always their Pro line) is equally overlooked & often thought of as a “budget brand”. Interestingly, they began making clubs in 1916 & it was the same family/concern that owned it till around 2010.
They were my first set, so the brand is kinda sorta my favorite.

I agree about their quality equaling that of Hogan.

[bcstones]

4 hours ago, BIG STU said:

Go on FB and go to The Persimmon Golf Society. Really nice members on both sides of the big pond and are always willing to help out and have a vast amount of knowledge. Most of what I have learned on European and Asian only clubs I have learned on there

Thanks, I shall…

[Foozle]

4 hours ago, bcstones said:

Ah, go ahead…what did you pay? 
I think H&B (PowerBilt was always their Pro line) is equally overlooked & often thought of as a “budget brand”. Interestingly, they began making clubs in 1916 & it was the same family/concern that owned it till around 2010.
They were my first set, so the brand is kinda sorta my favorite.

I agree about their quality equaling that of Hogan.

I am not going to say, but am on record somewhere here saying that, in the UK, Powerbilt sell for perhaps a quarter or a third of comparable era Hogan sets.

Until recently, no one has ever bid against me on Powerbilt clubs. It is actually quite disappointing that they are not recognised as a quality brand.

My collection includes the 1953 Super's above, '72 9272 Citations, '76(?) Scotch blades and '84 Century models along with a couple of sets of Powerbilt persimmon woods. All for less than a new Vokey wedge!

Also got a display bag, carry bag and holdall!

 

[NRJyzr]

9 minutes ago, Foozle said:

I am not going to say, but am on record somewhere here saying that, in the UK, Powerbilt sell for perhaps a quarter or a third of comparable era Hogan sets.

Until recently, no one has ever bid against me on Powerbilt clubs. It is actually quite disappointing that they are not recognised as a quality brand.

My collection includes the 1953 Super's above, '72 9272 Citations, '76(?) Scotch blades and '84 Century models along with a couple of sets of Powerbilt persimmon woods. All for less than a new Vokey wedge!

Also got a display bag, carry bag and holdall!

 

 

 

I used to own a set of those Powerbilt Scotch Blades, the 76-77 model that were essentially a flatback.  Loaned them to an acquaintance, because they were too soft for me, but ironically they'd be an excellent fit now.  

 

[bcstones]

32 minutes ago, Foozle said:

I am not going to say, but am on record somewhere here saying that, in the UK, Powerbilt sell for perhaps a quarter or a third of comparable era Hogan sets.

Until recently, no one has ever bid against me on Powerbilt clubs. It is actually quite disappointing that they are not recognised as a quality brand.

My collection includes the 1953 Super's above, '72 9272 Citations, '76(?) Scotch blades and '84 Century models along with a couple of sets of Powerbilt persimmon woods. All for less than a new Vokey wedge!

Also got a display bag, carry bag and holdall!

 

Excellent! Well, just checked on new Vokey wedges - YIKES! 
You've got some fantastic clubs...I also like the Scotch Blade, I have a set of the Citation Scotch Blades & another set of Scotch Blade Professional. For some reason I've never really got into the Citation branding. Not sure just when "Citation" brandingg came into being...can't really get away from it in the woods, tho I do have a few that either say  just H&B or H&B PowerBilt - not exactly sure about their age, I'm guessing pre-'70s.

I have a set of the mid '70s Thoroughbred irons & the late '70s investment cast PowerBilt (tho, I think they might also be branded w/Citation). I think their retail/general brands are good players also.
Have fun....

Edited October 24, 2023 by bcstones

[AdamMH]

1 hour ago, Foozle said:

I am not going to say, but am on record somewhere here saying that, in the UK, Powerbilt sell for perhaps a quarter or a third of comparable era Hogan sets.

Until recently, no one has ever bid against me on Powerbilt clubs. It is actually quite disappointing that they are not recognised as a quality brand.

My collection includes the 1953 Super's above, '72 9272 Citations, '76(?) Scotch blades and '84 Century models along with a couple of sets of Powerbilt persimmon woods. All for less than a new Vokey wedge!

Also got a display bag, carry bag and holdall!

 

Flat back Scotch Blades are awesome. PowerBilt stuff rarely comes up used local to me, but I occasionally find the original Canadian flatbacks, Accuforms.

[EvanH]

Just the 3i atm.
But since I enjoy youtube videos where people play with only 3 or 4 clubs, I will be keeping my eye out for a blue dot 7i (or 6i) and SW (or PW), so (with the Zing putter I already own) I will have a 4-club "set".

 

 

 

 

[ezgoer]

On 10/22/2023 at 1:24 PM, bcstones said:

I got ahold of these clubs yesterday via the fb marketplace. The first pic is from Kaplan's Hillerick & Bradsby guide - Page 1  1956 Professional. Interesting notations in the book on the models.

 

The woods, reg #4025S*, are persimmon, shaft is TT Rocket S, the grips are Golf Pride Rib-Lock.

 

The irons, reg #4590S*, have similar shafts & grips as the woods. All are same reg.#...wonder what 'S' & the '*' mean (perhaps S for Stiff?). Kinda similar to Wilson Staff Dyna-Power circa 1958? Also interesting, it "Citation" on the sole...and no mention of it in the catalog.

 

The putter has no maker mark, the shaft band is totally unreadable. I'm guessing the markings on the putter sole, 4 leaf clover 7-11 4 leaf clover, might have something to do w/Lady Luck 😂 Anyway, that green red leather grip is a perfect comment on the art of putting 🥸🤣

 

The bag is heavy canvas & leather, Double Eagle. From a wee search, I could find little about the Company, did find some for sale stating 40s, 50s & 80s. Don't know if they're still around. The bag does have a canvas cover on the inside (have to remove the dividers to get the cover up). Zippers need some lubrication (I was thinking gun oil...or is there something better). The handle is gone & the strap has leather that's falling apart, but the canvas is ok. 

I'm wondering if there might be a place to refurbish the bag (the rip is repairable, cuz there is lining behind it)....or it can be my project - oh, yeah! ADD IT TO THE LIST🙃

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somehow I missed this. All is fabulous! The color in the irons is great, very Spaldingish. Hopefully they clean up nicely. That putter grip is perfection. While not the color combo I’d think of if someone offered a reproduction I’d buy it in a second. 
 I have this set of 55 H&B’s with 1 star Rocket shafts and they feel similar to my 50’s MacGregor’s.

Maybe a little firmer but I was healing a lot of shots last time I played them. Are yours short? My driver measures 42 inches or so. I regripped recently and in all 4 there was still the wood plugs in butt end from the original leather grips so they don’t appear to have been shortened. Like Stephen8802 said I was also told bye a local guy that has done club refinishing forever there is probably whipping under those plastic ferrule covers. 
 I think the H&B 210 iron model is the match to my woods but I’m not holding my breath on finding those. If I remember right they look similar to yours but guess they all kinda looked similar then. 

Edited October 25, 2023 by ezgoer

[bcstones]

1 hour ago, ezgoer said:

 I think the H&B 210 iron model is the match to my woods but I’m not holding my breath on finding those. If I remember right they look similar to yours but guess they all kinda looked similar then.

I think, looking in Kaplan's, there are different styles all in the same year. 
btw, I did check Kaplan's for '55 - I agree the reg. 210 seems best suited & is SS...then again, almost any iron in that year would fit - general line or professional line

[RMach]

Just posted like 5 brother!