Antique Pool & Billiard Balls

This Item 75 is the "holy grail" for serious billiard historians. While the clay balls (Item 76) 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 [...]

While Item 75 was an "investment piece" with a few battle scars, Item 74 is clearly the showstopper of this entire inventory. 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 [...]

This Item 73 adds a specific layer of historical gameplay to your inventory. 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. [...]

This Item 72 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 [...]

This Item 70 is a fascinating bridge between your high-end Zanzibar Ivory (Items 74/75) and the more utilitarian Clay Hexagonal set (Item 76). 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 [...]

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 Item #68 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 entire [...]

he introduction of Item 67, the Clay Wave-O-Lene Pool Balls, brings a fascinating technological pivot to the collection. 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 of Item #67 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 [...]

Item 66, the Antique BBC Ivory Tally Ball Set (c.1880s), These Ivory Tally Balls (numbers 1 through 16) were the actual "tokens of chance" used in high-stakes games like Kelly Pool or "Pill" Pool. In the 1880s, producing numbered balls out of ivory was a feat of miniature precision—a task usually reserved for master carvers who could ensure the weight and balance of each "pill" was uniform. The "Sold" Significance: Why "RE" Struck Gold The departure of this set to a private collector or estate ("RE") confirms the high demand for complete ivory sub-sets. The Full 1–16 Sequence: Most tally [...]

 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 [...]

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 Diameter Era: [...]

This Antique Ivory Poker Chip (Item 62) 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 [...]

This Antique Clay Zig Zag Pool Ball Set (Item 59) 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 [...]

This Antique Clay Hexagonal Directsite Pool Ball Set (Item 58) is a fascinating piece of industrial design from the turn of the century. While the "Zig Zag" sets focused on ornamentation, the Directsite (often marketed as "Direct-Sight") line was specifically engineered to improve the player's accuracy through geometry. Sold to SW. Please check with us on others. The presence of the original wooden label box is a massive value-multiplier, as it confirms the branding and protects the balls from the "flat-spotting" that occurs when they are stored loose for decades. The "Hexagonal" Innovation The "Hexagonal" designation usually refers to one [...]

This is a fantastic find for a collector of "Billiardiana." Zig Zag clay balls are the transition point between the era of ivory (like your Item 54) and the modern era of phenolic resins. Seeing a set in this condition—with the original Star Cue Ball and a wooden box—is a significant rarity. 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 [...]

Why Item 51 is a Collector's Dream The Material: Invented by Leo Baekeland, Bakelite was the first truly synthetic plastic. It’s known for its deep, rich colors—especially the "oxblood" reds and "custard" yellows—that develop a beautiful, warm patina over time.   The "Clack": Professional players in the 1930s and 40s loved Bakelite because it had a specific density and sound (a sharp, resonant clack) that felt much more "pro" than the lighter clay balls of the 1890s. Condition: In the world of Bakelite, condition is everything. Bakelite is prone to "crazing" or surface "blooming" if stored in damp basements. Finding [...]

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 a four-ball [...]

(Item 49) #13 French Gasme 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 Elephant in the Room: Legal Restrictions Since this set is from the 1880s, it is almost certainly genuine elephant ivory. In most parts of the world, including the US and the EU, the sale of ivory is strictly regulated or banned entirely under CITES and domestic laws (like the US Endangered Species Act). The "De Minimis" Exception: In the US, to sell an ivory item across state lines, [...]

(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 1/8" 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. [...]