The Match
I should have known that I would become a vintage and classic club collector. I’ve always been interested in older things. I have a 1953 Chevrolet 3600 pickup, that was given to me by my grandad. The thing is sweet, but little did I know at 18 that 1953 would end up being my year! So, when one of my fellow accumulator friends messaged me about a great deal on a set of 1953 Spalding Synchro-Dyned Top-Flite irons in mind condition, all I could do was type in my address and send him the money!
The Grail – Spalding Synchro-Dyned Top-Flite
I’ll be honest, I didn’t exactly know what I had when I first had them in my possession. After seeing multiple posts about people looking for them or singing high praises about the set they owned, I began to realize what I had. To be fair, when my friend messaged me, he did tell me that they were the “Holy Grail” of the Spalding Top-Flite series.
They’re beautiful stainless-steel irons, and in the best condition one can hope for when a set is almost 70-years old. Not to mention the original grips are still in great condition!
A major contributor to golf equipment production in the early 1900s, Spalding continued the tradition with its long line of Synchro-Dyned Top-Flite series irons. There are many different versions, but one of the things that sets the ’53 series apart is the quality of the stainless steel used. Unfortunately, due to the cost of production, Spalding moved to a lower quality stainless, making the ’53-’54 series some of the most sought-after irons from the classic era.
My Player’s Set
The beauty is in the simplicity. Top-Flite is written in red cursive script, with print Synchro-Dyned underneath. The key identifier for the ’53 series is the triangle mark on the hosel side of Top-Flite. The irons are completed with brown marbled ferrules, True Temper Dynamic shafts, and the red grip. Absolute beauty!
These are a low-profile blade, and the set-up is perfect for me. Everything about them fits my eye. They were the first set I took out to the course. Could the sweet spot be bigger? Of course it could be, but I’ve yet to find an iron from my collection period that has a sweet spot bigger than the ball.
To me, that is part of the fun. Hit a ball off the toe side, walk 30 yards to your next shot. Or feel the rush of adrenaline as you flush one! In golf, there are few things better than that feel of a flushed shot with a blade iron.
I rotate between my different sets, as I like to play every set that I purchase, but there is only one set that I will choose on a consistently regular basis.
My 1953 Spalding Synchro-Dyned Top-Flites.
In fact they will be making an appearance at my annual “night golf” scramble at the end of the summer!
Everyone Has a Favorite
No matter what we collect, we all have a favorite, even if we say we don’t. The ’53 Top-Flites are my absolute favorite set from the classic era. This is not something that can’t be amended, but it is going to take a lot to dethrone this classic.
If you aren’t hooked by now, join me next time as we step further back in time with a set of hickories!
I have the same set, 2 tru 9 irons, the steel shafts have some pitting and have replaced the grips. I played with those for years, till I had extensive eye surgery, I lost my depth perception. I purchased those from an AF Colonel in Hawaii. Used them regularly in Hawaii for a few years.
I have two sets of these beauties. Haven’t played with either in 40 years.
I have a set of the 1953 Spalding Top Flite that my grandfather left me have yet to hit them do to age, but I might hit a few shots with them on the range. My set includes a Wedge that does not have the triangle but all serial numbers match including including wedge. Serial # 449882
I have my fathers 1-4 Spaulding Top Flight woods, registration# Z4829. Any idea on the age?
Thanks very much for posting about your ’53s!
I’ve only ever owned one set of clubs – bought well-used in 1986 for $50. They were “vintage” even then. After a layoff of 10 years, I started playing them again about a month ago. Digging online to learn more about them, I found your blog.
It turns out my irons are 1955 Top-Flites (reg #505404). The last of the stainless synchro-dynes. I’m only a bogey golfer, but always loved the way these clubs play. I didn’t know enough about golf clubs to know I’m not supposed to be able to hit these blades 🙂
To add to what you’ve posted about your set, a reference I found helpful is “Golf Classics Price and Identification Guide” (1980) by Mike Doherty, who was a vintage club dealer. Someone has posted Mr Doherty’s Spalding chapter here: http://advancedballstriking.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=202&t=1272#p14376