Any idea how much this driver is worth?

[Mitch360]

I bought this driver from eBay for a 'buy it now' price. It's immaculate and I doubt it's ever been used. I can't find one in gold anywhere on eBay or the web, I'm hoping it may even be limited edition. It's a Honma MG460-RF Gold. Which apparently are not well known at all. Any rough guesses on how much it's worth would be much appreciated. I doubt I'll ever play as I'll probably ruin it and it's a beautiful driver! Thanks.

[Mitch360]

Sorry about the huge photos. Ill have to figure that one out!

[Hammer 4]

Sure is purdy. Maybe contact Honma in Japan..?  I've seen some of their woods and irons on craigslist go for some good $$$.

Sorry I can't help, but good luck in your search.

[mvmac]

If it's 4 stars then it is definitely worth some money. Here's another gold driver, selling for $2,470

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-STAR-GOLD-HONMA-GOLF-JAPAN-BERES-MG710-10deg-R-FLEX-ARMRQ-UD49-/400340143967

[Mitch360]

My one looks almost identical to the one on eBay from the top, but the bottom is totally different. If I google the model I can find similar drivers in the results, but I cannot find a gold one anywhere. I'm sure it's not like a collectors item, but the workmanship and quality is outstanding. Thanks for the info!

[Mitch360]

I've just noticed, there are 4 stars on the shaft. I cannot find an identical driver anywhere in the internet whatsoever.

[colin007]

I've never even heard of the brand. Maybe contact the company and have them verify its authenticity?

[Shorty]

Probably worth a couple of hundred, perhaps several hundred, especially in that condition - but a cynic would say that it is worth what you paid.

That value would be in the Japanese market.

Most Honma Twin Marks do go for decent money.

My guess is that it would be worth $700 to the right buyer. Maybe even close to $1000. It would have to be a collector. The club might not even be conforming.

For those who have only ever heard of mass market OEMs, Honma has a huge reputation, certainly in the Miura class, but a lot of it is glitzy stuff which appeals to the Asian market only.

They sponsor a lot of top Asian players, including Liang Wen Chong, a great player.

Maybe ring the US office and ask about it.

Office:

Premier Golf Distributors, Inc.
809 Spring Forest Rd
Suite 800
Raleigh, NC 27609-9198

Toll Free: 1.888.845.8665 

Phone: 919.850.2202

[Mitch360]

Thanks for the info. I have found a few 2* and 3* drivers in black. But I've yet to find one in gold and this one also has 'Hiro Homna' inscribed on the too, whereas none othe the others have this. Thanks for your help.

[mvmac]

Probably worth a couple of hundred, perhaps several hundred, especially in that condition - but a cynic would say that it is worth what you paid.

That value would be in the Japanese market.

Most Honma Twin Marks do go for decent money.

My guess is that it would be worth $700 to the right buyer. Maybe even close to $1000. It would have to be a collector. The club might not even be conforming.

Correct, good chance it might not be conforming

[Mitch360]

Actually, I'm starting to doubt its real. I find it difficult to believe that such a good fake could be made! But it has no serial number on the hosel. I've contacted Honma, bit I'm 90% sure it's fake now. :-(

[Shorty]

Actually, I'm starting to doubt its real. I find it difficult to believe that such a good fake could be made! But it has no serial number on the hosel.

I've contacted Honma, bit I'm 90% sure it's fake now.

No way in the world is it fake.

[Mitch360]

Well that's what I thought... Because it is so well made. There's even a hologram effect on the shaft and I've tested the the face with a magnet to make sure it's titanium and not steel, but in Honmas website they say every single club that leaves their factory has a serial number on the hosel, and it hasn't got one.

[Mitch360]

... Oh, and I also only paid £65 for it :-)

[Shorty]

Well that's what I thought... Because it is so well made. There's even a hologram effect on the shaft and I've tested the the face with a magnet to make sure it's titanium and not steel, but in Honmas website they say every single club that leaves their factory has a serial number on the hosel, and it hasn't got one.

It might have even been a one-off paint job or something like that.

Who knows - it may have ben a gift to one of their players for winning a tournament.

The amount of effort that would go into making a fake like that would be worth more than the limited resale value - such a tiny market.

[MS256]

Actually, I'm starting to doubt its real. I find it difficult to believe that such a good fake could be made! But it has no serial number on the hosel. I've contacted Honma, bit I'm 90% sure it's fake now. :-(

Would it be worth it to fake something like that? Looks like a lot of workmanship for a few dollars in a limted market, unless they are mass producing the fakes, which doesn't make sense to me either because the market would flood pretty quickly. Could they even sell enough of them to make the production worthwhile? Maybe so but it doesn't seem like it. I would think they would be better off to be building fake R1s or something.

[Mitch360]

Be interesting to see what Honma say. I'll be sure to post back here soon. Cheers!

[colin007]

I am now officially intrigued...