MyGolfSpy Reader Looking For Info On Putter

[GolfSpy_X]

I have 2 Wilson Designed by Arnold Palmer putters. To the

best of my knowledge no copies were ever made by Wilson after the

original.

 

My question has to do with a 40th anniversary limited edition made in

Japan with a spelling error on the sole. The word "designed" is

misspelled "designd".

 

I have been told that this error was done on

purpose to save space! This does not seem correct to me and I would

be curious to know if anyone has any information on the reproduction.

If photos are required then give me an email address and I will

forward same.

 

Thanks,

Keith

(Toronto, ON)

[golfluvzme]

I believe this was a run of counterfeits that were done to make money selling the putters to collectors, overseas. We see it a lot in today's markets, but it was not all that common back in the days when these putters were bringing huge amounts of money when sold to Japanese collectors.

I spoke with Tad Moore about this very subject, only with some George Lowe putters, recently. It seems like counterfeiting has been going on in golf for a lot longer than I had ever dreamed.

Just an opinion based on what I have heard.

LaMont in AZ

[RookieBlue7]

The one with the spelling error is a counterfeit. They've been discussed on Putter Talk by the collectors a few times.

 

Everything about it is fake, down to the grip. The grip is one of the best copies of an original Wilson Grip, but it is fake as well. Just like LaMont said, they were made to sell to the collectors overseas. And I'd venture a good bet (the pictures are too small or I'd be able to point it out) that the shaft is also incorrect and not an original headspeed shaft(you can tell by matching up step patterns. The original had an 8.25" measurement to the first step, the second generation headspeed(which was made from 1971 forward) has a 6" first step, meaning that the distance from the tip to the first step will measure 6 inches). They're good fakes, but they're dead giveaways. 99.9% of the time, when you see golf equipment with a misspelling on it, it's because it's a Chinese counterfeit.

 

Oh, and LaMont, how would one get in touch with Tad? I just acquired a FPR Tour S Shorty and was wondering about how the copper insert was attached. I am going to remill the face with deep milling and want to make sure it's not going to peel out when I touch it with the mill.