Ben Hogan Saber Complete Set (Pic Heavy)

[Mozjo33]

SEE POST #13

 

Okay...so I've changed my entire bag (including my bag), started taking lessons and got hooked on putters (for no apparent reason) since joining this forum. The next logical step is to play with classic clubs!

 

I started playing golf 20 years ago. I had a set of Walter Hagen Ultra Dyne II and Titlest woods that that I learned to play with. I wish I still had them! Like a dummy I "traded" them in when I bought my first new set in 2001.

 

Anyway, thanks to all you fine folks, my eye keeps wandering to classic clubs. I have found a full set of Ben Hogan Saber Clubs - 1, 3 & 5 woods and 3 thru W irons. It comes with a vintage bag and the original socks to boot. Pics are below.

 

Only looking at the pics, they seem to be in really good condition. My intent is to refurbish and play with these a couple of times over the season.

 

My questions:

 

Keeping in mind that the clubs were made in the mid 70s - Are these "good" Hogan clubs?

 

They are listed for $150 for the entire set. Is that a reasonable price?

 

I've tried to research, but I really can't find anything. I'm supposed to see the clubs tomorrow and I don't want to waste this gentleman's time or mine for that matter.

 

Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

Mo

 

 

[oldschoolrocker]

Mo,
As soon as the Hogan Boys roll outa bed I am sure you will have some insight. In the meantime perhaps use the search function on the website to see if there are any previous mention in other threads.

[oldschoolrocker]

A quick search tells me 74-77 vintage.

[Mozjo33]

Thanks for the quick response. The guy selling them told me as much. I was wondering if anyone knew of a fair value and if the Saber is worth trying.

[oldschoolrocker]

I would thnk anything from that era BH wise would be worth trying, but I can tell you in my experience buying vintage clubs, I would consider that a high price. I have purchased a fair number of vintage clibs over the last few years and never paid more than $50.00 unless the set was in MINT condition from an individual. But, that takes into account my locale in a high golfing market. The Hogan boys will chime in soon.

[Mozjo33]

[quote name='oldschoolrocker' timestamp='1424362701' post='10985093']
I would thnk anything from that era BH wise would be worth trying, but I can tell you in my experience buying vintage clubs, I would consider that a high price. I have purchased a fair number of vintage clibs over the last few years and never paid more than $50.00 unless the set was in MINT condition from an individual. But, that takes into account my locale in a high golfing market. The Hogan boys will chime in soon.
[/quote]

I was thinking that was a very high price. Especially for clubs I will use sporadically.. I don't think they are mint, but I will know more when I actually see them.

Thanks for the advice!

[mocokid]

that's too high, I don't think the saber is a top of the line hogan club. Can't see if the woods are persimmon Apex model ??

[Mozjo33]

[quote name='mocokid' timestamp='1424364969' post='10985367']
that's too high, I don't think the saber is a top of the line hogan club. Can't see if the woods are persimmon Apex model ??
[/quote]

How can you tell if it is persimmons or hickory?

[mocokid]

[quote name='Mozjo33' timestamp='1424370455' post='10985977']
[quote name='mocokid' timestamp='1424364969' post='10985367']
that's too high, I don't think the saber is a top of the line hogan club. Can't see if the woods are persimmon Apex model ??
[/quote]

How can you tell if it is persimmons or hickory?
[/quote]

post a picture of the club face of the wood.

[stevemcgee99]

It would be persimmon - solid block of wood, or laminate - which looks like plywood because it is. Both work.

To me, the complete set with the bag and covers is a very nice find. Pay what you're willing to pay: that's the price it's worth.

[Mozjo33]

[quote name='mocokid' timestamp='1424381701' post='10987129']
[quote name='Mozjo33' timestamp='1424370455' post='10985977']
[quote name='mocokid' timestamp='1424364969' post='10985367']
that's too high, I don't think the saber is a top of the line hogan club. Can't see if the woods are persimmon Apex model ??
[/quote]

How can you tell if it is persimmons or hickory?
[/quote]

post a picture of the club face of the wood.
[/quote]

Haven't purchased them yet. I'm seeing them tomorrow. He has already agreed cut the price in half.

[Mozjo33]

[quote name='stevemcgee99' timestamp='1424391890' post='10988123']
It would be persimmon - solid block of wood, or laminate - which looks like plywood because it is. Both work.

To me, the complete set with the bag and covers is a very nice find. Pay what you're willing to pay: that's the price it's worth.
[/quote]

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll know more tomorrow.

[Mozjo33]

Call it impulsive, but I ended up buying the clubs at what I believe is a great price (well below asking price).

The clubs are in excellent condition! It's a complete AMF Ben Hogan Saber set (1-3 woods, 3-Equalizer irons) with original AMF Ben Hogan canvas bag (no rips, no cracks in the leather and the pocket zipper works with no snags). No major scratches, marks, scrapes etc. The grips are original and are in excellent condition, are not worn and are not dry rotted. TThe shafts are regular flex and all of the shafts still have the green AMF Ben Hogan sticker. The inserts on the woods are still great condition. The color fill is great where all colors can be seen and recognized. The woods and irons have serial numbers.

Overall I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I thought there was going to be a need to refurbish, but I don't think I'm going to touch them. It even came with the original woods socks, but the driver sock looks like it lost a battle with a cat. The previous owner stated that the clubs belonged to his dad, but he wasn't an avid golfer. But there was a Zippo green tool that had two ball markers inserted in the side. It even came with a Dunlop brass putter that makes the most hollow sound. That grip is completely dry rotted. I'm going to try and find a Dunlop grip, but will replace it to use with the set.

I do have some questions - there is small surface rust on the 8 iron where the grip ends on the shaft. Should I rub some 0000 steel wool on the rust spots? Should I rub a very light coat of WD40 on all the irons? Should I treat the grips with anything to make them last longer? I read on the forum that a "soft" ball should be used with the woods so to not tear up the inserts - any suggestions?

Anyway - on to the pics. Comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for looking!

[attachment=2627453:image.jpg][attachment=2627455:image.jpg][attachment=2627457:image.jpg][attachment=2627459:image.jpg][attachment=2627461:image.jpg][attachment=2627463:image.jpg][attachment=2627465:image.jpg][attachment=2627469:image.jpg]

[Mozjo33]

More pics...

[attachment=2627471:image.jpg][attachment=2627473:image.jpg][attachment=2627475:image.jpg][attachment=2627477:image.jpg][attachment=2627479:image.jpg][attachment=2627481:image.jpg][attachment=2627483:image.jpg][attachment=2627485:image.jpg][attachment=2627487:image.jpg][attachment=2627489:image.jpg]

[Mozjo33]

Last ones...

[attachment=2627491:image.jpg][attachment=2627493:image.jpg][attachment=2627495:image.jpg][attachment=2627497:image.jpg][attachment=2627499:image.jpg][attachment=2627501:image.jpg]

[pdgolferman]

A very nice looking set you have there. Me likey.

The soles on those woods look like a range mat just took a pounding too.
pd

[Mozjo33]

[quote name='pdgolferman' timestamp='1424534978' post='10997933']
A very nice looking set you have there. Me likey.

The soles on those woods look like a range mat just took a pounding too.
pd
[/quote]

I'm going to try some 0000 steel wool to clean those up. The varnish is pealing from the soles as well.

[rozflog]

That looks like a great set. Classic and in decent shape. Good buy.

[Kathy Marie]

Rozflog,

Welcome to the board!!



Kathy Marie

[Mozjo33]

I hit the 7i a couple of times the other day. Great feeling club. I look forward to trying all the clubs when I have more time. Used some steel wool and these babies are all clean of surface rust and Matt scuffs and ready to go. I did find a chunk of the sole plate in the 1 wood missing on the leading edge. I'm hoping it doesn't affect the ball strike too much. They really are a beautiful set of clubs.

[BMC]

Love the bag. Those are classic. Wish somebody would make something similar today.