Vintage Set Recommendations

[ajg223]

It is winter here so I’m bored and was looking for some help. My club was founded in the 1950’s. I want to create a set that accurately reflects the clubs of that time to mess around with during evening rounds etc. when I started some research I got overwhelmed. Is there anyone who is will versed in this era of equipment that could make some recommendations? Thanks!

[PEI_Golfer]

Head into the classic section and I'm sure you will get what you need

 

https://forums.golfwrx.com/forum/216-classic-golf-and-golfers/

[braincramp52]

5 minutes ago, PEI_Golfer said:

Head into the classic section and I'm sure you will get what you need

 

https://forums.golfwrx.com/forum/216-classic-golf-and-golfers/

This^

[raggal62]

I can understand why you're search could be overwhelming. Many great golf clubs were produced during that era.

 

For me, Macgregor was building the most premium clubs of the decade. The M series Tourney line were outstanding. 

[Fellaheen51]

Everyone around here has their favorites.  WTS and IMHO, nothing says 50's quite like MacGregor.  I find the "winged" MT (MacGregor Tourney) M85/M75 aesthetically pleasing.  Should be able to find a good set of players for modest price.  For a very unique set, look for the copper faced '55 - '57 Colokroms.  Although finding a set with the copper plating intact and still in good condition is going to be more difficult.  

 

Finding period correct Mac persimmons in playable condition is going to be more challenging.  Ones in decent shape are going to be pricey.  M85, M75, 693, 945.  Have to educate yourself on what constitutes playable condition.  Restored examples are relatively plentiful, but often come with hefty price tags. Might start with a 2w and 4w, most comment that a brassie is easier to launch than a D.  

 

Other brands to look for are Spaulding, Wilson, H&B.  Hogan began making clubs in 1954 and would be a splendid option as well.  Although they don't come cheap.  

 

Best to start performing some searches and attempting to educate yourself about options.  Ask a lot of questions in this section, folks here are very knowledgeable about this stuff.  And like to help another with their classical journey.  Good luck.  

 

 

Edited November 29, 2021 by Fellaheen51

[Stephen8802]

I agree with the last opening statement, everyone has their favorites. I'm Wilson Staff guy, and don't love Macgregor irons, so I'd go with '58 or '59 Staff irons. '56/'57 staffs are easier to find, and cheaper to buy, than the following two years, so another good choice. I have an extra set of '56 Staffs and I don't expect them to sell for more than $35. For a putter, I'd pick an Iron Master, preferably a G model. For the woods, Its hard to beat a top of the line Macgregor wood set--the above mentioned M85/75, 693s, 945s, etc--but they can be a bit pricey if you are not committed to persimmon yet. If I were starting from scratch, I'd look for some 50s PowerBilts, Grand Slams would do nicely, or some second tier Macs. I've been able to pick up some nice M85 and M75 Super Eye O Matics this year for very little, so they are also good choices. Then, if you like persimmon, go wild and get the great stuff.

 

Be careful, buy one set now, have fun playing with them, the next thing you know you have 25 sets of irons, 40 putters, and 300 persimmon woods.

Edited November 30, 2021 by Stephen8802

[ajg223]

Thanks for the help. This gives me a place to start reading. The research is half the fun. 
 

I did some more research into my club’s history. The course as it is laid out today (minus new back tees) was completed in 65. Does that change the recommendations from above? 
 

Thank you for the thoughtful responses. 

Edited November 30, 2021 by ajg223

[Hickory4ever]

I think this is a great quest. Personally, I would not worry too much about acquiring a 50’s set, as a set of blades from the 60’s or 70’s would play in a very similar fashion.

 

Personally, I have an early 60’s set of Hogan irons and will be getting a set of Wilson Staff’s from a friend (That is what I started with). They are not expensive and are very playable. Concentrate on getting the right shaft flex. 

 

Persimmon woods are still around and affordable, so pick them up when you come upon them. You can never have too many (chuckle). 
 

As far as putters go, Otey Crisman putters from the late 40’s to 60’s are easily found and affordable. They play very well.

 

[cold_war_era_golfer]

My favorite era of "vintage" club is 1960-1966.  Mainly because physically I find them the most pleasing to the eye.  

 

Here are my TOP choices from that time period.

 

Wilson:

1960-61 Wilson Dyna-powered (these were the irons I believe Arnie played his best with)

1962-63 Wilson Dynapower turfriders

1965 (I'll skip the 1964) Wilson Dynapowers

1966 Wilson Dynapowers.

 

Spalding Top Flite:

1963-64 Synchro Dyned Professionals with the spade faces.

 

MacGregor 

1961 FC4000 "Big M" Tourneys

1963 FC4000 M Tourneys 

1964 FC4000 MT Tourneys

 

Ok, but you asked for 1950s.  My house was built in 1949 and I thought it would be cute to get a set of 50s irons to play at the local Par 3 that is across town that had been there when my house was built.

 

I tried early 50s MacGregor Tourneys (many love them but I didn't really care for them too much).

I also tried the mid 50s Colokroms.  Those SCREAMED 1950s Americana to me but I'm yet to find a set with regular flex shafts to bond with so I couldn't recommend those on a personal basis, but again many here love them so I'm sure they would fit the bill.

 

If I had to get a set of 1950s irons I would cheat and get the 1959 Tommy Armour FC4000s because they are so similar to my beloved 60s Macs.  Or I'd go for a set of 58/59 Wilson Dyna-powereds because they are the closest Wilson I could get to my beloved 60-61s.

 

I guess all this rambling proves one thing.  If you enjoy your first set of vintage clubs, it may snowball to an obsession.