Hello, Princess Bride.
Welcome to AZB and sincere thanks for posting on our collecting thread. It is always great to see a new contributor.
I was honoured and grateful indeed to be invited to join the Billiard Ball Museum enterprise. My role primarily is that of draughtsman. I prepared the technical diagrams required by toolsetters and also drew certificates of authenticity.
I’m long since retired but had worked in the billiard industry thirty-something years ago, owning a cue factory which also wholesaled every type of billiard-related accessory. Having this previous business relationship with certain ball manufacturers was a significant advantage… I had literally bought many thousands of pool ball sets from them during my working career.
At this point, PB, I must choose my words rather carefully because we are bound by a non-disclosure agreement.
Endeavouring to commission high quality pool ball sets in low numbers is an almost impossible task under normal circumstances. We were able to do it due to those existing long-standing contacts, but it was still eye-wateringly expensive and often very stressful. The moulds alone cost the Billiard Ball Museum many thousands of dollars before a single ball was cast. It is very much a labour of love for us and not a profitable venture, but that is okay because we just want to create something special and leave a legacy in the collecting world.
Forgive me for not answering your question about phenolic resin compounds and manufacturers, PB, but we are committed to five limited edition designs to be cast by the end of 2027 and I must honour the confidentiality agreement. I can, however, directly address the subject of a third Billiard Ball Museum launch. It is imminent and will be announced soon.
Romanique 3 owners will be offered first dibs on the thirty available boxes, but there will almost certainly be a few sets on offer to new collectors. If you would like to send me a private message with your contact details, PB, I will be sure to keep you updated.
Best wishes and thank you again.