The perforated shaft was patented by Allan Lard in August 29, 1916. It is also marked the back of this club head with January 12, 1914 patent date. One of the rarest American made clubs the Lard "whistler". This club is a mashie. In very good condition. 1918 and 1919 it was sold by Spalding under the Gold Medal brand. The club has drilled perforation pattern in the shaft to make it lighter in weight however it did make it whistle when swung and thus the nick name. These clubs were only made in irons.