Pool Ball Collecting.

[K2Kraze]

I’d like to see a few other folks chime in here regarding your query on the ivories as well, Meucciplayer, and while the brief times I’ve played them in the past, one never forgets the sound. The word “clunk” seems perfectly suited - similar to the larger, modern Russian Pyramid balls I play in place of the ivories when I want that sound.

Banking and overall play was different - higher rolling resistance over the baize and of course higher coefficients of friction between ball to ball made for an ever more unique experience. Imagine sticky cloth with tacky balls and you get the idea

~ K

 

[Meucciplayer]

Thanks a lot, K2. Yep, it is interesting to explore the methods and equipment of yesteryear. I have known so many things in my youth that nobody uses any more - 8-tracks, cassettes, Commodore computers, old wooden tennis rackets and all that. Not all of them were so much inferior to nowaday's offerings - even though technologies can't be compared. But a lot of the stuff produced 50 years ago was a lot less "throw-away" and lasted many times longer than some of the new stuff. I don't think it applies to pool or golf balls, but you can only judge how good players were if you know what they had to play with. Another reason why I am interested in such things I have never touched.

 

[Bob Jewett]

I got a set of ivory carom balls new from A.E. Schmidt in St. Louis about 1980. I probably played a couple of hundred hours with them, mostly artistic billiard shots (which is why I got them).

The most noticeable difference compared to plastic balls was the larger inelasticity of the ivory balls -- they lose a lot more energy in ball-to-ball contacts. Follow is much easier and draw is harder.

I found the surface friction to be about the same as plastics or somewhat less, but I never actually measured it.

I had Schmidt true the balls once. I think they charged $80/ball to turn them.

When I bought the balls they apologized for not having the proper bright red dye -- evidently it was carcinogenic -- and the red was sort of purplish.

 

[Meucciplayer]

Very interesting, Bob. I did not know that ivory balls were produced as late as 1980! I know they were not illegal then but ... I thought their time was long gone. Interesting facts about the dye, too.

 

[Kickin' Chicken]

I got a set of ivory carom balls new from A.E. Schmidt in St. Louis about 1980. I probably played a couple of hundred hours with them, mostly artistic billiard shots (which is why I got them).

The most noticeable difference compared to plastic balls was the larger inelasticity of the ivory balls -- they lose a lot more energy in ball-to-ball contacts. Follow is much easier and draw is harder.

I found the surface friction to be about the same as plastics or somewhat less, but I never actually measured it.

I had Schmidt true the balls once. I think they charged $80/ball to turn them.

When I bought the balls they apologized for not having the proper bright red dye -- evidently it was carcinogenic -- and the red was sort of purplish.

Bob;

When you get a free minute or two would you please write down everything you know pool/billiards related? :grin::thumbup::smile-us-down:

Thanks in advance.

best,
brian kc <--------- knows maybe 3 or 4 things, not positive about one of them...

 

[bfriesth]

Sorry I can't contribute to the conversation on the ivory. I have not yet seen a set myself much less played them. Maybe some day.

I did acquire a new set yesterday, however. I recently asked the local Olhausen dealer if he might, by chance, have a set of Signatures collecting dust in his warehouse. After a couple days of searching, this is what he found.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... I recently asked the local Olhausen dealer if he might, by chance, have a set of Signatures collecting dust in his warehouse. ...

Does the box say where they were made?

 

[bfriesth]

I will check when I get home and let you know.

 

[bfriesth]

I checked...photo attached. Maybe the experts could weigh in on the South Korean company, Cosmos?

 

[rexus31]

I checked...photo attached. Maybe the experts could weigh in on the South Korean company, Cosmos?

View attachment 522955

See my Posts #813 and #825 on Page 55 of this thread.

 

[K2Kraze]

Experts?

Would you settle for some amateur sleuthing, sir?

The COSMOS Industry Co, Ltd started in 1997 out of Korea but didn’t begin developing balls until 2009. Developing the key word. They perfected their phenolic and manufacturing after 3 years and then began production in 2012. A three-year process.

Their website tells it all better than I can - but from what I’ve seen, held and played, they have done some impressive work. Only to get better I think.



~ K.

 

[K2Kraze]

Back in post numbers 899 and 1054, two ball sets were shared featuring an American brewery company most folks are familiar with - even if that means seeing their great tv ads across the decades.

One statement that Budweiser stands behind that I especially appreciate is where they say, in part, “...it is an icon of core American values like optimism and celebration.” Now THAT is something we all can relate to when it come to sharing table time with friends and family, while serving up ice cold adult beverages like Budweiser.

Here is another of their licensed logo ball sets that needed a new caring home and some TLC cleaning and then restoration. They’ve never been played, but being moved untold times while ensconced in their clear plastic packaging and rubbing incessantly against all sides, they came out of their holders scuffed and scraped - unleashed for the first time since their manufacture in 2008.

A few sample pics before:

After a few hours of perfected techniques and the right equipment:

A few angled shots showing what looks like a wide striped area for balls 1-8 due to the size of the background dot and then the smaller stripes for balls 9-15.

Perfectly color matched and weight tolerances within Tournament specs. Made in one of the untold China provinces, but they are a novelty ball set that play beautifully and will surely bring a smile when unveiled for a Pals & Pool & Pilsner night of games

Where there’s life, there’s Bud.

~ K.

 

[bfriesth]

Nice work!

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Lincos Water Ripples. Insert Card 5.

Good evening, everyone.

Here is the latest update of my insert card project. If you would like to learn a little more about the process followed in photographing the balls shown in the rectangular picture frame, or perhaps how I drew the computer generated image underneath, please refer back to my original post number 1133.

Best wishes,

RC.

 

[K2Kraze]

Yet another masterful work of art from the creator of this wonderful Pool Ball Collecting thread, the ever-gracious and estimable Rubik’s Cube....my friend and fellow phenolic fanatic.

Ah, yes, the glimmering Stone Colds with their dastardly dark stripes ..... makes me think these would have been a great set to see on a table in the movie Casino

That assemblage of balls you’ve created in the lower section of each card is most impressive with reflections clearly seen in the neighboring balls. How in the world???? I just love your idea to have personalized insert cards accompany each of the boxed sets in your treasure trove.

Thank you for the kindest of words, my friend, but I think the very small role I’ve played is the least I can do to show appreciation for all you’ve done, not only behind the scenes on our numerous treasure hunting campaigns this past three years, but also led the way on many important acquisitions - which resulted in getting quite a few special and unique ball sets to other collectors and folks here on AZB. Many of those fine gentlemen sharing posts here in the PBC thread know what I’m talking about - and they share our camaraderie and friendship. It’s been a great run, sir! What can we conjure up next?

I’m really looking forward to your next insert cards, RC. Great work!

~ K.

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Thank you, Mr K.

Casino? Absolutely! I love it. Pool-playing cameos in movies would be a great thread subject on AZB, would it not, sir?

I share your sentiments wholeheartedly, dear fellow. How fantastic it would be to unearth another treasure to rival that incredible Raschig hoard from Germany. We’ll keep searching, my friend.

Best wishes,

RC.

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Or even pool BALLS in the movies, perhaps?

I’ll have to find my HUSTLER, COLOR OF MONEY and BALTIMORE BULLET dvds to see if I can identify all the ball sets featured.

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Coloured Insert Cards.

Forgive me for the post below, gentlemen. I was keen to see what the different coloured insert cards looked like as a group.

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Damn! That wasn’t quite the formation intended. Back to the drawing board.

 

[Ghosst]

Sorry to Kerry, as it's been too long since we've talked. Here is the 1950's-ish clay ball set I grabbed. 2" or 2 1/8", good condition. The final price was an entire jug of beer.