One of the earliest and most exciting golf clubs to come on the market since an early 19th century club netted a world record £106,000 is to be sold next month (June).

Top sporting auctioneers Midlands based, Mullock Madeley are to offer the late 18th century blacksmith made metal headed blade putter, on the second day of their two day sporting sale, June 20 and 21.

Says auctioneer, John Mullock: "This is a tremendously exciting find and likely to create global interest, sending ripples through the golf collecting world. It is a massive club, weighing a couple of pounds. What is particularly rare is that it carries the name of the maker, A. Neilson."

Applying the makers name to a club was a forerunner to having the makers' stamp on it and authenticates its antiquity. Great age which is further endorsed by the rivet which goes from centre front to back of the seven inch hosel a practice used in the early construction of golf clubs.

"A. Neilson, a second generation golf club maker who was born in 1752, is likely to have made the club in his prime years, between the age of 25 and 50. You have to remember that in those days life expectancy was not what it is today," says Mr Mullock.

He adds, "It is difficult to speculate what the club will realise, we are certainly talking of a serious five figure price tag and the world record suggests it could exceed that. It is a club which is as likely to attract investors as collectors and would make a spectacular centre piece in any boardroom or collection."

The auction, which represents a celebration of national and international sporting history, takes place at Telford Moat House, commencing at 11am. More information and catalogues from Mullock Madeley, 01694 771 771, or view the catalogue on the net, www.mullockmadeley.co.uk