Spinks' Chalk NOT New - Patent DENIED!

[Mr. Bond]

WOW - The history books will have to be re-written once again.

Many of you have heard or read the story of William A. Spinks and Edmund Hoskins, the Chicago men, who allegedly "invented" modern cue chalk back in 1897....

Well, as it turns out, the courts later ruled (in 1910) that they actually didnt invent squat.

"Artificial billiard chalk" by definition, already existed, and had in fact been patented in the U.S. as early as the 1830's. Not to mention the fact that prior to their "invention", Spinks had brought a piece of manufactured chalk back from Europe to study. In other words, they already knew about artificial billiard chalk as well, and were simply trying to replicate the process.

I recently located a court record explaining the bulk of the details, along with a RARE description of their chalks actual ingredients...

A very interesting read to say the least !

Click here to read the courts decision and the dream-crushing details of the case.(starts on page 434)

 

[3RAILKICK]

Sounds like-chalk is chalk (re silica). No matter how finely crushed/ proportions, as to silica component-chalk is chalk-at least as far as the patent before the court was concerned.

thanks-interesting read.

 

[Bob Jewett]

For those who are interested in old chalk, here is part of a page from the Stellingas' book on Billiard Collectibles. The 1860s chalk looks a lot like modern chalk except for the color. The Stellinga book is starting to appear on the used market for less than the publication price, but at about $70 a new copy is really a bargain to any pool history buff.

 

[hunger strike]

Does anyone have any old billiard chalk to sell or trade?