Top 10 Persimmon Drivers on your collector's wish list

[tstephen]

My new wishlist ultimate persimmon driver: 2” deep face blonde Orlimar  perfect tight u-shape grain crown and neck with red gamma fire insert.

[Stephen8802]

All this Orlimar talk has me feeling guilty. I picked one up in a Goodwill and pulled the shaft for my 5 screw M75 driver. I'd be happy to move it on for shipping to someone who would get it back into play. It has some wear and some hairline neck cracks, but it's in good enough shape to rescue.

 

 

[tstephen]

I would love to have 945 and 693 6 woods in my collection.  I’ve only seen 1 of each in a collection from someone in Japan. A WW Special 6 wood would be sweet too.

Edited December 16, 2020 by tstephen

[NRJyzr]

On 12/4/2020 at 2:32 PM, NRJyzr said:

 

I'll be glad to add some Ram pics to the party.  I don't have pics of the full Ram collection, so I'll see if I can't attend to that tonight  🙂

 

 

A start to finally doing something in response to Brother @Foozle's request.  Just one pic so far, but I'll try taking more.

 

Some of these are a little rough in condition terms, I'd acquired them in a batch from someone who'd done an Uncle Bob-like hoard purchase.  I'd asked if he happened to have a couple fairway woods, and he knew of my Ram habit, he sent me over 20 clubs, total.  

 

There's some TW800 drivers & fairways, TW805, TW801 and TW802 drivers, some mid-80s Golden Rams (W-B-W inserts), all sorts of fun.

 

[Foozle]

11 minutes ago, NRJyzr said:

 

A start to finally doing something in response to Brother @Foozle's request.  Just one pic so far, but I'll try taking more.

 

Some of these are a little rough in condition terms, I'd acquired them in a batch from someone who'd done an Uncle Bob-like hoard purchase.  I'd asked if he happened to have a couple fairway woods, and he knew of my Ram habit, he sent me over 20 clubs, total.  

 

There's some TW800 drivers & fairways, TW805, TW801 and TW802 drivers, some mid-80s Golden Rams (W-B-W inserts), all sorts of fun.

 

Massively indebted NRJyzr, fabulous Ramfest! 😍

Having got our attention, i can't wait for the close ups....🙂

[NRJyzr]

9 minutes ago, Foozle said:

Massively indebted NRJyzr, fabulous Ramfest! 😍

Having got our attention, i can't wait for the close ups....🙂

 

If you want to see the full pic, which might allow you to zoom a bit, here's a link to the pic in my Google Photos

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/shna53D87fkAeLS96

[NRJyzr]

11 minutes ago, Foozle said:

Massively indebted NRJyzr, fabulous Ramfest! 😍

Having got our attention, i can't wait for the close ups....🙂

 

Adding a couple comments....

 

The walnut finish persimmon with the black insert is the TW805, the insert is graphite.  There are two TW801 drivers in there, one in somewhat rough condition, one is fairly decent, they are the deep faced Ram models.  There's a TW802 in there that will probably blend in, as it looks like the TW800 and TW801, its distinguishing feature is a 9* loft.

 

Some of these have Precision 6.5 shafts, some have Dynamic S.  

 

I used to have a couple laminates, like the XS-1000, but they came with shafts too soft for yours truly, and I sent them on their way, albeit somewhat reluctantly.

 

[Foozle]

3 minutes ago, NRJyzr said:

 

If you want to see the full pic, which might allow you to zoom a bit, here's a link to the pic in my Google Photos

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/shna53D87fkAeLS96

Many thanks. However you are only teasing and building my anticipation! 😁

Out of interest, these Rams are almost exclusively honey, did Ram produce in other colours? Light shades usually indicate quality of grain.

 

[NRJyzr]

5 minutes ago, Foozle said:

Many thanks. However you are only teasing and building my anticipation! 😁

Out of interest, these Rams are almost exclusively honey, did Ram produce in other colours? Light shades usually indicate quality of grain.

 

 

I've seen the occasional "blonde finish" on a Ram in eBay pics, but I've always taken those to have been refinished clubs.  Largely because almost every other Ram I've seen had the finish you see in the TW800/T801/TW802 clubs in my pic, or something darker.  Doesn't mean it wasn't done.

 

One of the side effects of my having come late to the game, and to a company that had been sold, and was actually on its way out when I discovered them....  😞 

 

edited to add:  I find it interesting that Woosnam wore a Ram hat when playing his final Masters.  Just as Lynx is making its way in Europe, I wonder if Ram might be somewhat resurgent outside the USA.  Just knowing that would make me smile.  🙂

 

Edited December 19, 2020 by NRJyzr

[GuitarsGolfKY]

Did something happen in 1956 that made macgregor persimmons less valuable?  Why are these models always worth so much more than other 50s macgregor persimmons?

[RobotDoctor]

8 hours ago, GuitarsGolfKY said:

Did something happen in 1956 that made macgregor persimmons less valuable?  Why are these models always worth so much more than other 50s macgregor persimmons?

In 1956 the Super Eye-O-Matics were introduced.  That probably had a lot to do with the MacGregors falling a bit out of favor with Tour pros, which is the foundation for the collector market.  There is not question the wood itself was still excellent old growth during the mid/late 50s, there is something about the design that never seemed to resonate as deeply as the 693, 945W, M85W, M43, LFF, and a handful of other early 50s and 40s models.  

[LeftyMac]

16 hours ago, GuitarsGolfKY said:

Did something happen in 1956 that made macgregor persimmons less valuable?  Why are these models always worth so much more than other 50s macgregor persimmons?

 

The shapes changed a little.  Here are 2 LH2W's from 1959.  The left hand one is more of a SOEM M80W shape, a little wider and lower.  The right hand one is more the classic 693 or in the case of lefty Macgregor's 653 shaped and more compact.  I have always preferred a 653 over an M80W shape.   

[theothertwo]

8 hours ago, RobotDoctor said:

In 1956 the Super Eye-O-Matics were introduced.  That probably had a lot to do with the MacGregors falling a bit out of favor with Tour pros, which is the foundation for the collector market.  There is not question the wood itself was still excellent old growth during the mid/late 50s, there is something about the design that never seemed to resonate as deeply as the 693, 945W, M85W, M43, LFF, and a handful of other early 50s and 40s models.  

What year do you think this MacGregor Nicklaus Super Eye-O-Matic is?  Thanks.

 

 

[RobotDoctor]

4 hours ago, theothertwo said:

What year do you think this MacGregor Nicklaus Super Eye-O-Matic is?  Thanks.

 

 

Probably early to mid 80s. 

[freddiec]

the JN super eye o matic is from 1986.  Your selling it I see. 

[Gareth246]

I have a Paul Gibson driver that I've had since the early nineties. Any idea what it is worth and where's the best place to look to sell it?

Edited January 31, 2022 by Gareth246

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

22 hours ago, Gareth246 said:

I have a Paul Gibson driver that I've had since the early nineties. Any idea what it is worth and where's the best place to look to sell it?

Join Persimmon Golf Society Sales and Listing on FB. You will find a number of Paul Gibson enthusiasts there, including me. John Holt is knowledgeable and knew Paul well.

[Gareth246]

2 hours ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

Join Persimmon Golf Society Sales and Listing on FB. You will find a number of Paul Gibson enthusiasts there, including me. John Holt is knowledgeable and knew Paul well.

Thanks a lot. I will check it out.

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

3 hours ago, Gareth246 said:

Thanks a lot. I will check it out.

Don't know if you are UK based but John and I are in the NW. PM me if you like.

[Foozle]

On 1/31/2022 at 9:55 AM, Gareth246 said:

I have a Paul Gibson driver that I've had since the early nineties. Any idea what it is worth and where's the best place to look to sell it?

I have three Paul Gibson's, each of which I picked up for very little. Sadly they are a bit of a niche market as you need to be of a certain age to recall / know about them. That said there was one sold very recently which made it into three figures but I think it was sold as "new/unplayed" which is another market again.

Amongst those that know, they are popular and I would agree with Aspidistra that your best chance is something like the Persimmon Golf Society rather than more general interest sites.

I nicknamed this one "The Beast" as the shaft is 45" long and made of re-bar and the face has less loft than my putter!  As with most of Gibson's output, I am guessing a custom order.

[Hickory4ever]

You might check out the the Golf Heritage Society. They have the biggest group of collectors that I know of.

The last 20 years has seen a decline in the number of collectors as the newer generations are not replacing the older group as they age. I have acquired beautiful classic clubs for next to nothing. My recommendation is pick up what you like for your own appreciation and don’t treat them as an investment, they aren’t.

[raggal62]

4 hours ago, Hickory4ever said:

You might check out the the Golf Heritage Society. They have the biggest group of collectors that I know of.

The last 20 years has seen a decline in the number of collectors as the newer generations are not replacing the older group as they age. I have acquired beautiful classic clubs for next to nothing. My recommendation is pick up what you like for your own appreciation and don’t treat them as an investment, they aren’t.

I don't necessarily agree that ones vintage golf clubs can't be treated as a potential investment. I don't own a crystal ball and therefore have no real foresight how future generations will treat our beloved relics, BUT my viewpoint is that anything at some point has possibilities of becoming valuable. It's been proven time and time again. Only time will tell and it would be delightful if I could be around to witness it.

Take for instance the Macgregor driver collection of the OP's. I would be flabbergasted if someday his babies wouldn't fetch a kings ransom. In my mind, they already have.

But that's not to be interpreted that our vintage sticks should be seen, not heard. By all means play them, but it's also cool to appreciate the perfection of ones pristine collection. Best of both worlds.

[Hickory4ever]

I was not in any way devaluing the beauty of the clubs. I am heavily involved in the Golf Historical Society of Canada and have a sizeable collection of clubs dating from the 1880’s. I have also been a member of the GHS mentioned above.

 

Unfortunately, the values of clubs have been declining over the last twenty years and the numbers of serious collectors is also in decline. That is not to say that there will not be vale in a collection, I just would not count on appreciating values.

 

Two years ago, one of our collectors had a booth adjacent to our GHSC booth at the Toronto Golf Show. He had a mint set of 70’s Hogan Persimmons (1,3,4) that many people looked at, but he could not sell for $150 for all three. I bought them at the end of the show for $120. I eventually traded them to a friend who had the irons from that era. I frequently get woods from that era for way less.

 

I encourage everyone to collect and appreciate these clubs for the pieces of history that they are. 

[LeftyMac]

I think COVID has helped the vintage club market.  More people I know are talking an interest in older gear, hickory golf is drawing younger people into something different and all that time at home in front of a screen has seen lots more people start to collect.  Just in terms of what I see available, 5 years ago there was a steady stream of lefty gear onto places like Ebay, not a lot but enough to keep you looking.  These days there tends to be very little out there to even look at, and anything decent wears a much bigger price tag than pre-COVID.

[cold_war_era_golfer]

On 2/1/2022 at 12:05 PM, Hickory4ever said:

You might check out the the Golf Heritage Society. They have the biggest group of collectors that I know of.

The last 20 years has seen a decline in the number of collectors as the newer generations are not replacing the older group as they age. I have acquired beautiful classic clubs for next to nothing. My recommendation is pick up what you like for your own appreciation and don’t treat them as an investment, they aren’t.

I agree just by looking at some prices in some of the old collector guides from the 90s and what I buy things for on eBay or resell them for it’s obvious there is less desire for these clubs.  Which is great for me at 40 years old I don’t know anyone my generation that looks for these.  Unlike 50s or 60s guitars, most clubs have little value. 
 

However, I did recently get a set of 945s with a set of a Colokroms on eBay.  I sold those 945s for a what about covered all my golfing fees for 2021.  So there are still some pricey clubs out there.

 

 

[RobotDoctor]

8 hours ago, cold_war_era_golfer said:

I agree just by looking at some prices in some of the old collector guides from the 90s and what I buy things for on eBay or resell them for it’s obvious there is less desire for these clubs.  Which is great for me at 40 years old I don’t know anyone my generation that looks for these.  Unlike 50s or 60s guitars, most clubs have little value. 
 

However, I did recently get a set of 945s with a set of a Colokroms on eBay.  I sold those 945s for a what about covered all my golfing fees for 2021.  So there are still some pricey clubs out there.

 

 

An outstanding 945 EOM driver is what my collection is missing.  I have one top tier 945W EOM driver and one that is very good that was my former gamer.  Insane grain but not ultra top tier.  If I find one then great.  If I don't I am ok with that as well.  I have build a decent small collection that I truly love.

[RobotDoctor]

This is my revised, and current list.

 

1954-1955 MacGregor 945W  (1 set of 1955 945 EOM (1-4), 1 1955 945 EOM driver)

1949-1952 MacGregor 693  (2 sets of 1950 693s, both 1-4)

1953-1955 MacGregor M85W  (1 set of 1954 M85W 1-3, 1 1955 M85W driver)

1952 MacGregor M85W (M85TW driver, pre-production model)

1950-1955 MacGregor M09 LFF (1953 model)

1950-1952 MacGregor M43 (1 set 1950 M43T 1-3, 1 set of 1951 M43 1, 3-4)

1954 MacGregor Toney Penna TP Special (1-4)

1953 MacGregor 945W (1 set of 945W 1-4, 1 945W driver)

Wood Brothers Texan (made for tour player Gene Sauers)

1954 MacGregor Toney Penna WW Special (any wood in the set, doesn't matter)

 

The model of woods in bold are woods I have owned, the underline means I presently own them.  The WW Specials are the Unicorn and I don't care if I get a driver or any fairway wood.  I would prefer a 3 or 4 wood if I can ever find a legitimate one.  Be that as it may, I may likely part with my set of 1953 945Ws and the M43T 2-3 woods as I am looking to thin my collection a bit.  I am planning on a move mid summer so a lot of things have to go, even a few of the persimmons in my collection.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 3, 2022 by RobotDoctor

[RobotDoctor]

Afternoon wood shot. 😁

 

 

 

Edited December 23, 2023 by RobotDoctor

[thepunch_out]

Somehow ten just doesn't feel like enough.

 

• MacGregor - BJM/BJD (1940-41)

• MacGregor - 693 (1949-50) Non-Armour crown stamp

• MacGregor - M09 LFF Eye•O•Matic (1951-54)

• MacGregor - 945W Eye•O•Matic (1954)

• MacGregor - M85W Eye•O•Matic (1952)

• MacGregor - TP Special (1953)

• Wood Brothers - Limited Edition (Australian, Masters, España)

• Wood Brothers - Jumbo Texan LFF

• Cleveland - HY Jumbo

• Hiro Honma - Tour Model

Edited March 11, 2022 by thepunch_out

[BIG STU]

Well due to the generosity of fellow WRXer evensorodds I have my most wanted holy grail driver of all time a Penna JS. I have alluded to this on a couple other threads. I had only seen one in the flesh so to speak over 50 years ago. I have an extensive Penna collection and this one was missing. Actually this one will set up for me to play excellent for my age and state of health. He had seen my post and responded and it came via Fed Ex yesterday. I did swing it outside in the rain and it feels good to me and I know I can hit it. Now the weather needs to break. I even went to the shop last night and dug out some modern soft balls to hit on the range. No range rocks for this baby. Yep I see it being my front line vintage driver and who knows if it hits like I think it will I may play it front line this summer. Have already picked out a headcover from the stash for it. A pristine Ping Barrell style fluffy black with Arnold Palmer and Foot Joy on it.