Ivory Billiard Balls

Neil, I would ask on the Carom Forum here on AZ. Someone will know. Johnnyt
 
Neil said:
I need an approximate value for a friend. Set of Ivory billiard balls. Still in original case. Case is almost like new condition. Still has instruction sheet in box also. Can't find any date on it. Balls in used but very good condition.

I know it doesn't affect the price, as there is no proof. But these balls were owned by Willie Hoppe. He then gave them to Harold Worst, who then gave them to the guy that just gave them to the local carom club.

They want to raffle them off at the upcoming tournament, but need an approximate value to raffle them. If not enough tickets sold, raffle is over.
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You did not state it, however, if the balls were owned by Willie Hoppe they must have been made by Brunswick Balk Colender. Since you can absolutely prove the balls were owned by Hoppe like you said above it really doesn't matter. However, this may help Billiard Balls were sold according to the quality of the ivory used and the perfection of the turning during manufacture. The balls Hoppe would have used had to be 1st Quailty or matched sets of balls, these balls would have no external marks and have a clear appreance. These type of sets were not all that common either for every 100 sets produced they may have a single set that qualifies as a clear matched set.

If this set meets this standard and they are still in perfect condition no cracks or chips $500 is not out of line for others $300 is about market value for good sets.

In 1928 a match set of Billiard Balls cost $60.00 which was a good sum of money at that time.

Hope this helps
 
Neil said:
I need an approximate value for a friend. Set of Ivory billiard balls. Still in original case. Case is almost like new condition. Still has instruction sheet in box also. Can't find any date on it. Balls in used but very good condition.

I know it doesn't affect the price, as there is no proof. But these balls were owned by Willie Hoppe. He then gave them to Harold Worst, who then gave them to the guy that just gave them to the local carom club.

They want to raffle them off at the upcoming tournament, but need an approximate value to raffle them. If not enough tickets sold, raffle is over.
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Neil I have seen 3 ball sets go for as little as 350$ and as high as 700$ condition of balls and box are of course important. The story of who owned them may not be important to some if it can't be proved but I would pay a little more just in case it was true. I know there's one born every minute:o. Good luck on the auction.
 
Neil said:
Thanks! It does. They were made by Balke-Collender. They do have some hairline cracks in them, no chips. As far as a clear appearance, I'm not sure just what that is supposed to look like, but they are much clearer than any other Ivory I have seen. It's like you can see part way into the ball. And, I CAN NOT prove that Hoppe owned them, there is no such documentation, only word of mouth that is extremely trustworthy. He has nothing to gain, as he is giving them to the club.
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Post some good photo's of the balls, and I may be able to help you grade them.

Take Care Neil
 
hey neil, can I get in on the raffle? I would love to find a set just like the ones you are describing. Not sure what the raffle is for but I'm sure it's a good cause. If I can get in on it somehow please let me know!

thanks
 
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