Q Do you have the names of people who collect old golf clubs? I have a collection, all mounted on plaques.
— June, Tucson
Q Is there a Web site that shows the value of old golf clubs? None of the golf shops have any info to help me.
— Steve, Tulsa, Okla.
A Golf shops cannot help because they sell new merchandise. Knowing about old clubs just isn't in their interest.
When seeking info on old clubs, two names matter. Peter Georgiady and Chuck Furjanic have both written specialty books on the subject. Leo M. Kelly, another expert, recently passed away.
The best basic info on which golf collectibles make collector hearts race is on Furjanic's site, www.golfforallages.com, online. Link there to learn that fewer than 5 percent of all wooden-shafted clubs have value beyond decorative or playable worth. If you have hopes of selling, those aren't great odds.
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According to the site, mass-produced clubs from 1920 to 1935 are of zero interest beyond playing use. Furjanic IDs "common" clubs from the period as those with common maker or no maker names, and clubs with metal caps at the end of the grip. Add chromed, chromium or stainless heads, matched-set irons and irons with face scoring to the common list.
Granted, as with all collecting areas, there are exceptions. They are uncommon, and known by dedicated collectors. But basically, 99 percent of most old clubs are common — no matter how expensive they were when bought.
To research value, start with Furjanic's site and his book, "Antique Golf Collectibles: 3rd Edition" (K-P Books, $29.99). In this latest edition, a new chapter covers collecting Tiger Woods.
Depending on what they are, the clubs on plaques may have more decorative than playing value. If they fail to sell for play, try marketing them as décor items, provided the mounting is aesthetically pleasing.
Even if the readers' clubs fall into the common category, all is not lost. Many old or vintage clubs are sold locally or online. All it takes is a motivated buyer.
Q I wrote to you about my medal awarded to Gertrude Ederle by Mayor Jimmy Walker after she swam the English Channel in 1926. In the paper, you said it was unique and I should contact several sports auction houses. A New York auction house told me I have a good item and it could sell for $2,000 or more. I can't get to New York and prefer to do business in Florida.
— Phil, Boca Raton, Fla.
A You don't have to go to New York, Phil. Sellers regularly ship all kinds of merchandise to auction throughout the country and world. The object is to place your piece before a pool of the most motivated buyers. In this case, it is an auction house that specializes in sports memorabilia and/or New York history. Handing property over in person happens very rarely.
If the auction house agrees to sell, they draw up a contract. You are consulted on a reserve price (you will not sell below that sum) and on expected sale result. You sign off on selling fees, insurance and other legalities, and ship the medal off for sale.
You are lucky — shipping a medal costs far less than packing and crating furniture or paintings! Many small items go USPS with adequate insurance. UPS, Fed-Ex and other major shippers are alternatives. It couldn't be easier. Keep a tracking number so you know when it arrives. The house will issue you a merchandise number, and you will be notified as it is delivered to the sales department.
Don't let your need to hand-deliver hamper you from placing it where it will sell best. Yes, Florida has good auction houses, but this is a piece of history, and top sports auctions are East Coast or Midwest.
● Send e-mail to smartcollector@comcast.net or write Danielle Arnet, c/o Tribune Media Services, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611. Please include an address in your query. Photos cannot be returned.
Courtesy of James Julia Auctions
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A rare German-made early lithographed Gordon Bennet tin windup car brought $48,300 recently in a James D. Julia toy, doll and memorabilia auction because it was the largest of its kind. In excellent condition with strong lithography, the 12.25-inch-long car featured a clockwork mechanism with chain driven wheels.