Pool Ball Collecting.
- Thread starter Rubik's Cube
- Start date
Good afternoon, everyone. 
Thank you so much for keeping the thread alive with yet more wonderful photographs of your collections, I love seeing every single one and they are all very much appreciated.
That truly is a beautiful set of vinatge Zig Zags, Skip. What a damned shame it has lost its number 4 spot. Rest assured, sir, I'll be keeping my eye out for a replacement during my daily searches for all things rare and desirable in the pool ball collecting field. Would you like me to draw you up a WANTED poster in the style of post #863, dear chap? Just say the word and I'll forward something suitable that might (hopefully) help find that elusive ball.
Best wishes,
RC.
Thank you so much for keeping the thread alive with yet more wonderful photographs of your collections, I love seeing every single one and they are all very much appreciated.
That truly is a beautiful set of vinatge Zig Zags, Skip. What a damned shame it has lost its number 4 spot. Rest assured, sir, I'll be keeping my eye out for a replacement during my daily searches for all things rare and desirable in the pool ball collecting field. Would you like me to draw you up a WANTED poster in the style of post #863, dear chap? Just say the word and I'll forward something suitable that might (hopefully) help find that elusive ball.
Best wishes,
RC.
Good afternoon, everyone.
Thank you so much for keeping the thread alive with yet more wonderful photographs of your collections, I love seeing every single one and they are all very much appreciated.
That truly is a beautiful set of vinatge Zig Zags, Skip. What a damned shame it has lost its number 4 spot. Rest assured, sir, I'll be keeping my eye out for a replacement during my daily searches for all things rare and desirable in the pool ball collecting field. Would you like me to draw you up a WANTED poster in the style of post #863, dear chap? Just say the word and I'll forward something suitable that might (hopefully) help find that elusive ball.
Best wishes,
RC.
Thank you but that may not be necessary. The gentleman that I purchased the set from swears he has the 4 but that it’s missing. If he doesn’t find it in the near future I may take you up on that offer.
I love seeing the new photos as well. I was originally only interested in antique pool balls but some of the sets I’ve seen on this thread are amazing.
Sent from my iPhone using AzBilliards Forums
A recent thread looking for ideas and advice on the subject of “ball polish” caught my attention.
POLISHING. CLEANING. A subject matter that is (most likely) near and dear to many readers of this thread on our shared passion of what makes this grand game so compelling - the balls - and how to get them or keep them in the best condition possible.
I chimed in with my expert advice and experience as did numerous other members - and while there are many well-intentioned folks, it’s evident most really don’t care to hear or understand “what’s right”, they want what’s easiest and closest at hand. Dare I say cheapest. Wash those balls. Make them shine. Whatever it takes.
One of these days, I’ll post-up within this thread, a worthy read of DO’s & DO NOT’s when it comes to “best advice” on the subject of your pool balls. In the meantime, I’ll let a recent find and few close-up pictures tell a short story
One of my favorite categories of ball sets are the 21-ball varieties that have a poker theme. These sets can be used for many types of games other than poker - like Straight Pool. Or One Pocket. Bowlliards. And Fargo, to name a few that I use them in.
Here is a recent acquisition of mine right out of the dilapidated cardboard box they showed up in - a set of TRU LINE POKER:
I know. I know. What happened to them? According to the family I got these from, they were just played. Period. For many, many years in the grandfather’s upstairs pool room. Never cleaned. Or “polished”. Obviously
Fair enough. They just need a new caretaker - a curator even.
I know just the trick.
Everyone loves a BEFORE & AFTER shot.
A few minutes with the right product, accoutrements and technique - and voilà:
Minus the obvious proof-of-much-use and beautiful wear and tear, these darlings look sensational playing a game of 21-BALL CHALLENGE. I’ll share a pic of the final “after” when fully completed.
Shall we play - poker, anyone?
~ K.
POLISHING. CLEANING. A subject matter that is (most likely) near and dear to many readers of this thread on our shared passion of what makes this grand game so compelling - the balls - and how to get them or keep them in the best condition possible.
I chimed in with my expert advice and experience as did numerous other members - and while there are many well-intentioned folks, it’s evident most really don’t care to hear or understand “what’s right”, they want what’s easiest and closest at hand. Dare I say cheapest. Wash those balls. Make them shine. Whatever it takes.
One of these days, I’ll post-up within this thread, a worthy read of DO’s & DO NOT’s when it comes to “best advice” on the subject of your pool balls. In the meantime, I’ll let a recent find and few close-up pictures tell a short story
One of my favorite categories of ball sets are the 21-ball varieties that have a poker theme. These sets can be used for many types of games other than poker - like Straight Pool. Or One Pocket. Bowlliards. And Fargo, to name a few that I use them in.
Here is a recent acquisition of mine right out of the dilapidated cardboard box they showed up in - a set of TRU LINE POKER:
I know. I know. What happened to them? According to the family I got these from, they were just played. Period. For many, many years in the grandfather’s upstairs pool room. Never cleaned. Or “polished”. Obviously
Fair enough. They just need a new caretaker - a curator even.
I know just the trick.
Everyone loves a BEFORE & AFTER shot.
A few minutes with the right product, accoutrements and technique - and voilà:
Minus the obvious proof-of-much-use and beautiful wear and tear, these darlings look sensational playing a game of 21-BALL CHALLENGE. I’ll share a pic of the final “after” when fully completed.
Shall we play - poker, anyone?
~ K.
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Good morning, Mr K.
I believe a definitive ball maintenance post from your good self would be a wonderful asset to the thread, dear chap. It's certainly something that would be of great interest to me personally. How about we try to reserve post #1000 so folks can find such a useful resource easily?
Whilst on the subject. Tell me, sir, is there a differentiation to be made between cleaning and polishing balls to be played compared to preparing those purely for display?
Best wishes, my friend.
RC.
I believe a definitive ball maintenance post from your good self would be a wonderful asset to the thread, dear chap. It's certainly something that would be of great interest to me personally. How about we try to reserve post #1000 so folks can find such a useful resource easily?
Whilst on the subject. Tell me, sir, is there a differentiation to be made between cleaning and polishing balls to be played compared to preparing those purely for display?
Best wishes, my friend.
RC.
Hello, RC!
As sure as there are nearly unlimited opinions for “best ball set”, the same proves true for opinions on clear definitions of “cleaning” vs “polishing” and how they apply to certain rules of the games we play.
For instance - the WPA Equipment Specifications discusses this exact topic. Without critiquing every word, it (seems) to allude to the fact that “polishing” must involve some form of “wax” or silicone spray or some other ridiculous notion - which is (probably) why they commingle terms and make wide-ranging statements ending with .... and I quote now:
“ - must be cleansed and dewaxed with a clean cloth moistened with diluted alcohol before play.”
Really. When’s the last time anyone actually did this or saw someone at a league or tournament event do this with diluted alcohol? I’ve tried it. And then tried playing with those balls. I wonder if they have. The rule writers that is.
Why won’t they (the aforementioned rule makers) specify one product designed by the actual sponsors that supply the ball sets? Good question. Too trivial? Hardly.
But I’ll get off on a rant here
I’ll give it a go for post #1000 here in the PBC thread, RC, and see if I can’t help readers of this enjoyable thread with at least the Do’s & Do Not’s.
In the interest of time only, sir, I’ll save the last part of your question regarding care of balls for play vs those for display only - the category of ball collector / aficionado you fit into, my friend
I profess to have every set I own be both museum ready and playable
Great day to you in the U.K., sir!
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
As sure as there are nearly unlimited opinions for “best ball set”, the same proves true for opinions on clear definitions of “cleaning” vs “polishing” and how they apply to certain rules of the games we play.
For instance - the WPA Equipment Specifications discusses this exact topic. Without critiquing every word, it (seems) to allude to the fact that “polishing” must involve some form of “wax” or silicone spray or some other ridiculous notion - which is (probably) why they commingle terms and make wide-ranging statements ending with .... and I quote now:
“ - must be cleansed and dewaxed with a clean cloth moistened with diluted alcohol before play.”
Really. When’s the last time anyone actually did this or saw someone at a league or tournament event do this with diluted alcohol? I’ve tried it. And then tried playing with those balls. I wonder if they have. The rule writers that is.
Why won’t they (the aforementioned rule makers) specify one product designed by the actual sponsors that supply the ball sets? Good question. Too trivial? Hardly.
But I’ll get off on a rant here
I’ll give it a go for post #1000 here in the PBC thread, RC, and see if I can’t help readers of this enjoyable thread with at least the Do’s & Do Not’s.
In the interest of time only, sir, I’ll save the last part of your question regarding care of balls for play vs those for display only - the category of ball collector / aficionado you fit into, my friend
I profess to have every set I own be both museum ready and playable
Great day to you in the U.K., sir!
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Hello, everyone!
Well, the entrants for GIVEAWAY
have all been received and await the randomized drawing for the one winner to be conducted by my friend and proprietor of Fort Worth Billiards - Mr. Albert Trujillo.
Due to unplanned travel, I won’t be able to get the winning drawing done until this coming Wednesday afternoon - so please be patient and I’ll announce the winner - and get the prized ball set and miscellanea out to the lucky one.
Special thanks to my friend Rubik’s Cube for the great work, wonderful idea and word puzzle qualifier - and to all those folks that took time to submit a correct entry for this GIVEAWAY
GIVEAWAY
will now be announced on Wednesday as well so stay tuned.
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well, the entrants for GIVEAWAY
have all been received and await the randomized drawing for the one winner to be conducted by my friend and proprietor of Fort Worth Billiards - Mr. Albert Trujillo. Due to unplanned travel, I won’t be able to get the winning drawing done until this coming Wednesday afternoon - so please be patient and I’ll announce the winner - and get the prized ball set and miscellanea out to the lucky one.
Special thanks to my friend Rubik’s Cube for the great work, wonderful idea and word puzzle qualifier - and to all those folks that took time to submit a correct entry for this GIVEAWAY
GIVEAWAY
will now be announced on Wednesday as well so stay tuned. 
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
A winner has finally been selected for GIVEAWAY that I first announced in Post #905 in this thread and I’m waiting to hear back from them via email before announcing the one lucky winner of the Eagle Eye Striped Nine Ball Set.
Numerous steps of randomization were employed to ensure the eventual winner was chosen by pure fate - and my good friend Albert from Fort Worth Billiards - that consisted of the following fun choices:
1) a random number generator app
2) drawing pills from a leather bottle
3) pool balls 1 - 9 pulled from a box blindfolded
4) a digital fun wheel of all things...
It happened to land on the lucky number 8
Check your email everyone - only the winner labeled number 8 was sent the “news”.
After received all of the emails from the folks that entered to play along with this crazy idea of a ball set giveaway promotion here on AZB, I really wish I had 9 of these unique ball sets to send out to everyone that took part - I could only find one in addition my 1 set all these years...
With that being said, and my personal commitment to promote “pool” and these great pool games we all play by way of paying things forward, I can say that I will follow through with at least 9 total GIVEAWAY promotions - in honor of the 9 guys that chose to play along. Too bad that 50 folks didn’t choose to play along
Spreading notions of fellowship and camaraderie, along with a well-know secret of overall success told to me decades ago: selfless competitiveness and leadership, it has once again proven to me that it is in the giving that we receive
Thank you to all 9 of you that showed interest and shared kind words via email!
GIVEAWAY coming up shortly for all of you Pool Ball Collector fans - as soon as I hear back from “the winner of ”!
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
that I first announced in Post #905 in this thread and I’m waiting to hear back from them via email before announcing the one lucky winner of the Eagle Eye Striped Nine Ball Set.Numerous steps of randomization were employed to ensure the eventual winner was chosen by pure fate - and my good friend Albert from Fort Worth Billiards - that consisted of the following fun choices:
1) a random number generator app
2) drawing pills from a leather bottle
3) pool balls 1 - 9 pulled from a box blindfolded
4) a digital fun wheel of all things...
It happened to land on the lucky number 8
Check your email everyone - only the winner labeled number 8 was sent the “news”.
After received all of the emails from the folks that entered to play along with this crazy idea of a ball set giveaway promotion here on AZB, I really wish I had 9 of these unique ball sets to send out to everyone that took part - I could only find one in addition my 1 set all these years...
With that being said, and my personal commitment to promote “pool” and these great pool games we all play by way of paying things forward, I can say that I will follow through with at least 9 total GIVEAWAY promotions - in honor of the 9 guys that chose to play along. Too bad that 50 folks didn’t choose to play along
Spreading notions of fellowship and camaraderie, along with a well-know secret of overall success told to me decades ago: selfless competitiveness and leadership, it has once again proven to me that it is in the giving that we receive
Thank you to all 9 of you that showed interest and shared kind words via email!
GIVEAWAY
coming up shortly for all of you Pool Ball Collector fans - as soon as I hear back from “the winner of ”!~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
announcing GIVEAWAY
For all you ball collectors around the globe!
THE Exciting NEW Billiard Game.
- So unique, It’s patented.
- Fast paced action and strategic options on every shot!
- For 2 players or teams.
(and just so there’s absolutely NO confusion...)
- Billiard table and Cuesticks needed (read: NOT INCLUDED)
The above is what you’ll see on the original issue box for this ball set.
I’ll add: Quirky. Innovative. Entertaining. Elusive, if not rare.
Just the thing for a POOL BALL COLLECTOR!
Perhaps it’s you.
This is the ball set for GIVEAWAY
NEVER PLAYED.
100% original everything. Even a color copy of the “Rules for Version II” that aren’t easy to get ahold of. Oh - and the StarPoint Stickers.
This will also include a dedicated ball tray and a new bottle of Aramith Ball Cleaner to keep this set playable and new for generations to come.
So -
Who wants to be considered for this next unique GIVEAWAY promotion here on AZB?
No puzzle qualifier this time. Member or guest. No conditions. No expectations.
Just.......
Send me an email saying that you’d like to be placed in the drawing for this ball set and accompanying goodies to be drawn on September 22nd.
toKerry@aol.com
Not a PM.
No posts within this thread or forum asking to be included.
A personal email with your email and AZB screen name if you have one.
That’s it.
Sent to you wherever you may be - right to your doorstep. Zero cost.
Please see Post#905 to see how this all started if unfamiliar.
Good luck everyone!
~ K.
For all you ball collectors around the globe!
THE Exciting NEW Billiard Game.
- So unique, It’s patented.
- Fast paced action and strategic options on every shot!
- For 2 players or teams.
(and just so there’s absolutely NO confusion...)
- Billiard table and Cuesticks needed (read: NOT INCLUDED)
The above is what you’ll see on the original issue box for this ball set.
I’ll add: Quirky. Innovative. Entertaining. Elusive, if not rare.
Just the thing for a POOL BALL COLLECTOR!
Perhaps it’s you.
This is the ball set for GIVEAWAY
NEVER PLAYED.
100% original everything. Even a color copy of the “Rules for Version II” that aren’t easy to get ahold of. Oh - and the StarPoint Stickers.
This will also include a dedicated ball tray and a new bottle of Aramith Ball Cleaner to keep this set playable and new for generations to come.
So -
Who wants to be considered for this next unique GIVEAWAY promotion here on AZB?
No puzzle qualifier this time. Member or guest. No conditions. No expectations.
Just.......
Send me an email saying that you’d like to be placed in the drawing for this ball set and accompanying goodies to be drawn on September 22nd.
toKerry@aol.com
Not a PM.
No posts within this thread or forum asking to be included.
A personal email with your email and AZB screen name if you have one.
That’s it.
Sent to you wherever you may be - right to your doorstep. Zero cost.
Please see Post#905 to see how this all started if unfamiliar.
Good luck everyone!
~ K.
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The WINNER of GIVEAWAY
Congratulations to a new AZB member just this month from up in Ontario, Canada - bigsjohn99
bigsjohn99 also just picked up his first “real pool table” and will soon have a new ball set to add to/start his billiard ball collecting. Perhaps he’ll share a few pics in the [show your home room] thread
Welcome to AZB, bigsjohn99 - and I hope you enjoy the Eagle Eye Striped Nine Ball set.
Play well, my friend!
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Congratulations to a new AZB member just this month from up in Ontario, Canada - bigsjohn99
bigsjohn99 also just picked up his first “real pool table” and will soon have a new ball set to add to/start his billiard ball collecting. Perhaps he’ll share a few pics in the [show your home room] thread
Welcome to AZB, bigsjohn99 - and I hope you enjoy the Eagle Eye Striped Nine Ball set.
Play well, my friend!
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Welcome to the AZB forum, John. And hearty congratulations on winning Mr K's wondetful prize.
K2K: A superb choice for GIVEAWAY 2, sir. Sincere thanks once again for such generosity and all you do to promote a great forum in general.
Here's wishing everyone the best if luck in snagging that beautiful Starball Set.
K2K: A superb choice for GIVEAWAY 2, sir. Sincere thanks once again for such generosity and all you do to promote a great forum in general.
Here's wishing everyone the best if luck in snagging that beautiful Starball Set.
Thank you so much for the kind words, RC - it’s a pleasure to be amongst wonderful folks here on the forum like yourself, sir!
- birds of a feather
Perhaps bigsjohn99 will chime in and let us all know why he doesn’t go by “John”
~K
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
- birds of a feather
Perhaps bigsjohn99 will chime in and let us all know why he doesn’t go by “John”
~K
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good morning, everyone.
Back in 2016 I started this thread with a picture of my favourite set of pool balls, the vintage Pokers from Aramith (pictured below). Little did I realise then just how many wonderful contributions would follow from fellow enthusiasts of the AZB community: 950 posts and counting. Quite amazing! Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, it has all been sincerely appreciated.
I logged in today as I've just acquired a second set of these beautiful Poker Balls. I couldn't resist buying them as they're so rarely found in unused condition but will probably pass them on to another collector in the near future, either as a straight sale or perhaps even a trade. Just wanted to give my friends on here a heads up that they will be on the FOR SALE forum next week.
Best wishes,
RC.
Back in 2016 I started this thread with a picture of my favourite set of pool balls, the vintage Pokers from Aramith (pictured below). Little did I realise then just how many wonderful contributions would follow from fellow enthusiasts of the AZB community: 950 posts and counting. Quite amazing! Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, it has all been sincerely appreciated.
I logged in today as I've just acquired a second set of these beautiful Poker Balls. I couldn't resist buying them as they're so rarely found in unused condition but will probably pass them on to another collector in the near future, either as a straight sale or perhaps even a trade. Just wanted to give my friends on here a heads up that they will be on the FOR SALE forum next week.
Best wishes,
RC.
Modern dat Direct Sites: The Cyclop Hyperion. I'll be ordering a set very soon.
https://pooltables.in.th/blogs/pool-table-info/cyclop-hyperion
https://pooltables.in.th/blogs/pool-table-info/cyclop-hyperion
Great spot, Mr R.
I have my eyes on this set, too, sir. As an added bonus there are twenty balls in the box instead of sixteen.
Best wishes,
RC.
I have my eyes on this set, too, sir. As an added bonus there are twenty balls in the box instead of sixteen.
Best wishes,
RC.
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Great spot, Mr R.
I have my eyes on this set, too, sir. As an added bonus there is twenty balls in the box instead of sixteen.
Best wishes,
RC.
Yessir! An extra Cue Ball and "Money Ball" 8, 9 and 10.
Hello, Ipoppa.
I don't know the cost yet, sir, but reckon a guess at $295 wouldn't be far wide of the mark. I have a buddy visiting Thailand shortly and am hoping he can bring me home a set.
Best wishes,
RC.
I don't know the cost yet, sir, but reckon a guess at $295 wouldn't be far wide of the mark. I have a buddy visiting Thailand shortly and am hoping he can bring me home a set.
Best wishes,
RC.