This is truly the “Crown Jewel” of the items you’ve shared so far. While the Burt Clay balls (Item 65) represent the transition to composites, this Item 64 set is the authentic 19th-century luxury that every other material was trying to imitate.

Finding a complete set of Brunswick-Balke-Collender (BBC) Ivory Tally Balls—especially with the original box—is an elite-level acquisition.

Historical & Material Significance

  • The Material: In the 1880s, ivory was the gold standard for density and “elasticity” (the way energy transfers between balls). Because ivory is a natural organic material (tusks), it has a grain similar to wood. This grain is often visible under a magnifying glass and is a primary “tell” for authenticity.

  • The BBC Branding: The 1880s was the “Golden Age” for Brunswick-Balke-Collender. At this time, they were the undisputed kings of billiards, and their ivory sets were sourced from the highest-grade African ivory available.

  • Hand Scrimshawed Numbers: Unlike modern printed or inlaid numbers, these were hand-etched (scrimshawed) into the ivory and then filled with pigment (usually black or red). The artisanal variance in the numbering is a hallmark of 19th-century craftsmanship.

Why “The Original Box” is the Game Changer

In the world of 19th-century billiards, the box is often rarer than the balls themselves.

  1. Provenance: The label on the box usually features the beautiful Victorian lithography of the BBC logo, confirming the date and origin.

  2. Preservation: Ivory is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. A set that has lived in its original box is far more likely to have avoided “checking” (large cracks) or severe yellowing.

  3. Investment Value: A loose set of ivory tally balls is valuable; a set in the original branded BBC box is a museum-grade centerpiece that commands a significant premium at specialty auctions.

Preservation Checklist for Ivory

Risk FactorPrevention
HumidityIvory “breathes.” Keep them in a stable environment (45-55% humidity). Too dry, and they crack; too damp, and they swell.
LightUV rays will accelerate yellowing. Keep them in that original box when not on display.
Skin OilsIf handling frequently, use white cotton gloves. The oils from your hands can react with the ivory grain over decades.

The “Tally” Aspect

These balls (often smaller than standard pocket billiard balls) were used for games like Life Pool or Kelly Pool, where players drew a “shake” or tally ball to determine their order or secret number. Because they weren’t subjected to the high-velocity “breaks” of standard pool, tally sets often survive in better structural condition than full-size billiard sets.