All-One Golf Club

Q: I have an old golf club marked “Goodrich Sales Co., All-One, Pat’d Jan. 6, 1914, Chicago.” I’ve sketched the mark that’s on the back of the head. The club has a hickory shaft, a leather grip, and a twist knob for adjusting the angle of the head. I’d like to know more about it and if it’s valuable.

A: The difference between the various iron golf clubs used by players is the length of the shaft and the angle of the striking surface. The angle determines the loft and spin on the ball. The part where the head connects to the shaft is called the “hosel.” The invention of a club with an adjustable head meant that one club could be used instead of several clubs with different heads. The first patent for an adjustable golf club was issued in 1895. The patent for your club was issued to Charles N. Curry in 1914 and assigned partly to Latimer Goodrich and Charles Evans Jr. Clubs with adjustable heads are still being made today. Value of your club, if in good condition: $1,200.