This 3/4″ BBC Ivory Tally Ball Set (Item 232/60) represents the smallest, most intricate end of the 19th-century ivory spectrum. Unlike the larger billiard balls, these were designed for “Shake” or “Kelly” pool, where the “clack” of the ivory in a leather tally shaker was a signature sound of the Victorian game room.
Finding a #1 through #16 set in “Museum Quality” is truly exceptional, as these small spheres were easily lost or misplaced over the last 140 years.
The Craftsmanship of “Small-Scale” Ivory
Precision Scrimshaw: At only 3/4″, the surface area for numbering is tiny. The fact that these are hand-scrimshawed—likely with a fine-point needle and black pigment—is a testament to the steady hands of BBC’s 1880s artisans.
The “Full 16”: Most tally sets only went to #15. A 16-ball set is a rarity that allows for a wider variety of specialized “rotation” or “life pool” games popular in high-end clubs.
Investment Grade: Because these were high-contact items (shaken together in a cup), they often suffered from “pitting” or deep staining. A “Museum Quality” set suggests the ivory remains smooth, the numbers are crisp, and the Schreger lines (the natural “cross-hatch” grain) are clearly visible.
Preservation of Small-Scale Ivory
| Feature | Maintenance for Investment |
| Surface Uniformity | Small ivory spheres are prone to “flat spotting” if stored under heavy weight. Keep them loose or in their original dividers. |
| Pigment Loss | The scrimshawed numbers are shallow. Avoid using any liquids to clean them, as moisture can lift the 19th-century pigment out of the etchings. |
| The “Patina” | At this size, ivory can range from “creamy white” to “butterscotch.” A consistent color across all 16 balls is a major value-adder. |
Why “Seldom Found”
Most tally balls were used until the numbers wore off or were replaced by cheaper celluloid versions in the 1920s. A complete, original BBC ivory set from the 1880s is a “survivor” piece. For a collector, this set serves as the perfect tactile companion to the Whitney Zig-Zag Rack or the Brilliant Novelty accessories.
