Antique Pool & Billiard Balls

(Item 76) This exceptional set of billiard balls dates back to the 1880s, representing a classic era of craftsmanship. Each ball measures 2 1/4" and features hand-scrimshawed numbers accompanied by surface-dyed colors. The set displays a great patina, showcasing the natural character and aging expected of pieces from this period, including some authentic color fade. Nice colorful matching ivory pool ball set. Please email for more information before they are gone.

(Item 75)  The "holy grail" for serious billiard historians. While the clay balls were the affordable alternative, these Zanzibar Ivory "Beach Ball" sets were the absolute pinnacle of 19th-century luxury. The name "Beach Ball" refers to the distinctive Double Stripe pattern that wraps around the ball, a design hallmark of the high-Victorian era. The Anatomy of an Antique Ivory Set Zanzibar Ivory: In the 1880s, "Zanzibar" was the trade term for the highest quality elephant ivory. It was prized for its density and "straight grain," which allowed the balls to stay balanced as they rolled. Surface Dyed & Scrimshawed: Unlike [...]

(Item 74) This is clearly the showstopper, Finding a complete 1880s ivory set in Museum Quality—especially with the original individual chamois bags—is an occurrence that most billiard historians only see once in a decade. The "Gold Standard" of Sets The presence of the chamois bags is not just a luxury touch; it is the reason this set survived in such high condition. Ivory is highly reactive to oils from skin and fluctuations in humidity. The individual bags prevented the balls from knocking against each other (which causes "spidering") and regulated the moisture levels over the last 140+ years. The "Beach [...]

(Item 73) While the previous sets (Items 74 & 75) were full 15-ball sets for games like "61-pool" or "15-ball," this Two Ball Set was specifically curated for games like Three-Ball Billiards (Carom), where only two white balls (one with a spot) and one red ball were used. The Significance of the "Two Ball Set" In the 1880s, professional matches often focused on Carom Billiards, a game of extreme finesse played on tables without pockets. The Pairing: Typically, a "Two Ball Set" in ivory consists of two white balls. To differentiate them during play, one ball would feature a small [...]

(Item 72) This represents the pure, minimalist heart of late 19th-century competitive billiards. Unlike the larger 15-ball sets used for "Pool," a Billiard Ball Set (specifically for Carom or "Four-Ball" games) usually consists of just three or four balls. In the 1880s, the game of Carom Billiards was considered the "gentleman’s game" of high mathematics and finesse, played on tables without pockets. The Standard 1880s Billiard Configuration A set of this era from Brunswick-Balke-Collender typically included: The Plain White Ball: The cue ball for Player 1. The Spotted White Ball: The cue ball for Player 2 (featuring a small scrimshawed [...]

(Item 70) The Burt Double Stripe represents a peak of 1880s "composition" technology—offering the luxury look of ivory at a more accessible price point for the period's growing middle-class billiard parlors. The "Burt" Innovation The Burt company was a major pioneer in early plastic-adjacent materials. While these are called "clay," they are actually a sophisticated composite. "Beach Ball" Double Stripe: This confirms that the double-stripe aesthetic wasn't just for ivory; it was the "must-have" fashion of 1880s billiards across all materials. Double Scrimshawed Numbers: Most balls were only numbered on one side. Having numbers on both sides was a premium [...]

(Item 68) The inclusion of a J.W. Burt set from c.1879 (Item #68) is the perfect "closing argument" for the Item 62/63 cues. In the late 19th century, John W. Burt was the premier name in the "ivory trade" for billiards, famously holding patents for his specific seasoning and turning processes. Finding a complete set with the original labeled wooden box is a rare "trifecta" of provenance, condition, and historical context. Why this is a "Blue Chip" Asset In the high-stakes world of billiard antiquities, a J.W. Burt set is more than just equipment; it is a benchmark for the [...]

(Item 67) Clay Wave-O-Lene Pool Balls, Wave-O-Lene balls represent the industry’s first high-stakes attempt to find a sustainable, durable alternative to ivory. "Wave-O-Lene" was a trade name for a specific composite/clay mixture. These were marketed to resist the "cracking" and "yellowing" inherent to ivory, making them a favorite for high-traffic, upscale pool rooms at the turn of the century. The Anatomy: The $2\ 1/4"$ size is the standard American pool size, making these compatible with almost any antique table. However, the "Clay" composition gives them a unique profile: The Aesthetic: Wave-O-Lene balls often feature a subtle, swirled or "wavy" texture [...]

(Item 64) This ivory 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 [...]

(Item 63) For the connoisseur of 19th-century billiards, this circa 1880s ivory "Burt" double stripe set represents one of the most significant finds in the collectors' market. Known for their elaborate "beach ball" pattern, these fancy surface-dyed balls feature extraordinary hand-crafted detail that elevates them from game equipment to high-art sculpture. This set is a premier example of the luxury accessories found in the exclusive billiard parlors of the Gilded Age. Item Details: Manufacturer/Style: Burt Style Double Stripe Material: Genuine Antique Ivory Pattern: Surface-Dyed "Beach Ball" Multi-Color Design Detailing: Hand-Scrimshawed Numbers with Flower Petal Scallop Borders Size: 2 1/8" Regulation [...]

(Item 62) This Antique Ivory Poker Chip is a fascinating crossover piece between the world of 19th-century high-stakes gambling and fine scrimshaw art. The $2 \frac{1}{2}$ denomination is particularly rare and intriguing. In the 1880s, poker chips were often denominated to match specific gold coins. A $\$2.50$ chip would correspond directly to the Quarter Eagle gold coin, which was in circulation at the time. This suggests the chip was part of a "hard currency" game where the chips represented the exact weight and value of the gold on the table. Historical & Material Details Material Value: Like your other ivory [...]

(Item 59) This Antique Clay Zig Zag Pool Ball Set is a wonderful example of the "economy of scale" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While ivory was the choice of the elite, clay was the choice of the people. However, finding a complete Zig Zag patterned set with a Star Cue Ball today is significantly more difficult than finding standard clay solids. The "Zig Zag" Aesthetic The Zig Zag (or "Sawtooth") pattern was a specific design choice used to distinguish striped balls from solid balls before the standardization of the broad, flat stripes we see today. The Pattern: [...]

(Item 51) Zig Zag clay balls are the transition point between the era of ivory and the modern era of phenolic resins. Why "Zig Zags" are Iconic The "Zig Zag" pattern wasn't just for aesthetics; it was a functional design. In the late 19th century, as manufacturers moved away from expensive ivory, they experimented with high-compression clay and silicate composites. The Pattern: The zig-zag or "lightning bolt" inlay was a way to integrate the number into the ball during the molding process, ensuring the number wouldn't just rub off with use. The "Star" Cue Ball: These are highly sought after. [...]

(Item 50) Why the "Four-Ball Set" is Historically Significant The Game: Before "Three-Cushion" or "Pocket Billiards" (Pool) became the standards, the American Four-Ball Game was the most popular game in the mid-to-late 19th century. It utilized two white balls and two red balls (usually a light red/pink and a deep dark red). The Size (1 7/8"): This smaller diameter is characteristic of the mid-Victorian era. As tables and cushions evolved to be faster and more "active" toward the 1880s, ball sizes generally increased to the 2 1/8" and 2 3/8" standards we see in later sets. The Box: Finding the original box for [...]

(Item 49) #13 French Game balls in original box c1880s. Size: 1.9". Items from the late 19th century—particularly those with their original packaging—carry a lot of historical weight and tactile charm. The "De Minimis" Exception: In the US, to sell an ivory item across state lines, it generally must be at least 100 years old (which this is). The Original Box: This is a huge plus. Collectors pay a premium for "complete" sets where the box has protected the ivory from yellowing or "checking" (cracks). Artistry: Plain billiard or game balls are less valuable than those with intricate French carving [...]

(Item 48) c1880s is a significantly more rare and "high-tier" collector's item than a standard ivory ball set. The Brunswick "Zanzibar" series represents the absolute pinnacle of 19th-century billiard luxury. 1. The "Zanzibar" Distinction In the 1880s, the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. marketed the Zanzibar line as their premium ivory offering. Aesthetic: Unlike plain ivory balls, Zanzibars are famous for their "Beach Ball" or "Double Stripe" patterns. The Scrimshaw: The hand-scrimshawed numbers are a major value-add. Each number was hand-engraved into the ivory and then filled with pigment (often black or dark blue), making each ball a unique piece of folk art. [...]

(Item 45) Antique French Ivory Game Ball Set (c. 1880s) This exceptional antique French game ball set was produced by the prestigious Loreau Manufacture in Paris during the late 19th century. Loreau was renowned for high-quality sporting goods and precision-crafted game components, serving as a primary supplier for the European billiard and gaming markets. Dating to the 1880s, this set remains in its original presentation box, which is a significant rarity for sets of this age. Each ball measures 1.9", a specific size often utilized for traditional French games or smaller-scale billiard variants popular in Continental Europe during the Victorian [...]

(Item 44) Antique Miscellaneous Ivory Billiard Balls (c. 1880s) This collection of antique ivory billiard balls dates to the 1880s, representing the primary material used for high-stakes play during the 19th-century "Golden Age" of the game. These vintage pieces were prized for their unique density and natural grain, which provided a level of control and playability that synthetic alternatives of the era could not replicate. The set includes a variety of sizes, ranging from 2" to 2 3/8", making it an excellent resource for restorers needing to match specific historical table requirements or for collectors of Victorian-era gaming artifacts. Given [...]

(Item 43) Rex Williams Personal Ivory Snooker Ball Set (Antique) This is a world-class collectible with impeccable provenance: a complete antique ivory snooker ball set formerly owned by the legendary British Snooker Champion, Rex Williams. Williams, a dominant force in the mid-20th century and a key figure in the post-war snooker revival, kept this set in excellent condition, making it a centerpiece for any serious billiard historian or collector. The set is presented in its original wooden case, featuring a specialized slide-out rack for elegant display and functional storage. At a standard 52 mm size, these balls represent the transition [...]

(Item 42) This exceptional c.1880s Antique Brunswick Ivory Double Stripe Pool Ball Set represents a rare intersection of sporting history and American political heritage. Housed in its original wooden box, the set is crafted to the standard 2 1/8" tournament size. Each ball features a distinctive star pattern surround with finely scrimshawed numbers and vibrant surface-dyed colors, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of the late 19th century. Provenance and Historical Significance: This set carries a remarkable pedigree, having been sourced from a private party who preserved them as family heirlooms. They originated from "The Republican Club" located at 2725 Pine St. [...]