Any Pool Ball Collectors on AZ? Let's trade!

[hunger strike]

I collect antique pool ball sets. Almost all my sets are pre-WWII (not phenolic or plastic.) I know many of the pool ball collectors, but there are many on ebay buying that don't know about our group. If you know a pool ball collector or a billiard antique collector who collects balls, please refer them to this thread so we can trade and communicate. It is far easier to complete sets when you have a lot of buddies with duplicates to trade.

 

[hunger strike]

photo of antique balls with engraved numbers....

Here are some examples....

 

[SKILLZELITE]

I got a full set of Brunswick Century billiard balls,,
Im not sure of there age or value, but Id be willing to part with them for a very modern set of
2-1/4 size pool balls.....:wink2:

 

[hunger strike]

Miniature/children's pool balls.... very old ones

Here is a set with numbers people describe as "engraved, etched, or scrimshawed." These were probably made between 1900 and the 1920's, but have not been found in catalogs. The numbers are similar in style to ivory balls that had engraved numbers, but manufactured sets like this had the number stamped into them. I love the look though.... I have the complete boxed set and also the nearly complete set on the left as duplicates to trade. I know I could put this thread in the wanted/for sale/trade area, but I have a different purpose on here which is to get all pool ball collectors to communicate and collaborate.

 

[Mr Hoppe]

I don't consider myself a ball collector, but I do have a few. Sorry for the large photos...

 

[hunger strike]

Brunswick-Balke-Collender Ivorylene Dart balls

This is a duplicate set for me, they are nearly perfect and matching, just need polishing from use. This is the set you usually see in press photos of Mosconi.

 

[hunger strike]

Mr. Hoppe:

... I can't see your photos because gov't computers won't allow links to photobucket type services. I think they're afraid of naughty photo downloads. I will comment after I get to a regular computer. I just didn't want to ignore the input! I directly upload the photos using the "manage attachments" feature at the bottom.... I hope everyone can see the photos I put on here.

 

[hunger strike]

BBC Compo-Ivory balls

Brunswick put a disclaimer on many of the Compo-Ivory ball boxes saying "These balls are not guaranteed." That's because they are made with a thin clay shell over a harder inner core. So they were prone to breakage. When you clack a pair of them together you can hear a hollow sound from the void in the layers. Also known as "the balls with the pencil-thin numbers." The thickness of the lines comprising the numbers is surprisingly variable, but once you have seen a few and get used to the sound they make you can distinguish them from other similar sets although Empires and other BBC balls are very similar. This set is an original matching set from an estate. Also a duplicate set for me.

 

[hunger strike]

Hyatt Zig Zag balls, patented in 1914, not the 1890s

Here are some Zig Zags. These are duplicates that I am helping to sell for an old retired table mechanic. Some sellers who know better put these up for sale as being from the late 1800s. For years, these were the most sought after set, until collectors uncovered the other dozen or so Smithsonian-rare sets. A must have for ball collectors.

 

[sunnyday]

I don't consider myself a ball collector, but I do have a few. Sorry for the large photos...

Nice balls, Mr Hoppe. You sure are a collector in my book

S.G.

 

[hunger strike]

Engraved number style "baseball" pool balls

I have two spare like this...Stellinga found 4 balls out, of the set of 6, in 35 years of collecting...

 

[joyren]

Are the carom balls ivory?
And wow for your collections

 

[murdoc23]

I don't collect, but I find this stuff fascinating! I have three big antique malls around me and when I go I keep my eyes open for billiard collectibles, but I never seem to find any. There are plenty of baseball, golf, tennis, and even football stuff around to be found, but I'm always shocked to find no pool stuff. Is that just because people never get rid of their equipment? It just gets sold with the tables from generation to generation?

Anyway, cool stuff for sure, I'd really like to learn more about it!
George

 

[poolpro2]

Here is my recently acquired collection. I was amazed at the different colors, patterns and sizes. I don't know if there is any thing worth trading for, other than the carom balls.(and I don't think I want to get rid of them)
All you guys have some great stuff - I wish I knew more about it.

 

[hunger strike]

A fellow collector needs a #1 ZigZag pool ball.....

If you have one, I will get you in contact with him....

 

[3RAILKICK]

Mr Hoppe

You are not a collector? You may be in denial, sir.

At what point would you consider yourself a collector? Is there a wife to whom you make this distinction for the sake of marital harmony?

Very nice accumulation of non-collection spheres.

Thanks for the pics-so many of us will never have or see these in person.

And, certainly, thanks to Hungerstrike for the topic and the sharing of pictures and knowledge about these connections to the past.

 

[scruffy1]

Posted before but here is a small part of my collection! Various shapes and sizes but the interesting set is top right. Found them wrapped in brown paper with ship address. Never was opened! I still have never handled them till this day. The clay poker set is perfect also. Will post some more later.

 

[Mr Hoppe]

You are not a collector? You may be in denial, sir.

At what point would you consider yourself a collector? Is there a wife to whom you make this distinction for the sake of marital harmony?

Very nice accumulation of non-collection spheres.

Thanks for the pics-so many of us will never have or see these in person.

And, certainly, thanks to Hungerstrike for the topic and the sharing of pictures and knowledge about these connections to the past.

Ok, ok, you caught me... just don't tell my wife.
Nice sets there Scruffy!

 

[scruffy1]

Same to you Mr. Hoppe! Always nice to see your collection.

Some Burt double stripes.

 

[Mr Hoppe]

Some Burt double stripes.

Ahhhhhhh . . . and NOW the good stuff comes out . . .

9ballRob also has some really nice toys.

One of my clay ball sets came from the Stallinga collection, and may be unplayed.