Antique 17th Century Lignum Vitae Sphere

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Description

An original, antique bowling ball made of lignum vitae wood. Unlike traditional balls were never drilled for finger holes, making … Read more An original, antique bowling ball made of lignum vitae wood. Unlike traditional balls were never drilled for finger holes, making it a rare, pristine collector's item. Holes were typically drilled after purchase to suit the owner's specific needs, whereas the balls themselves were originally sold as perfect, solid spheres.
Before Brunswick introduced the first hard-rubber bowling balls (the famous "Mineralite" balls) in 1905 and 1906, all professional bowling balls in the 19th century and earlier were turned from solid wood - most commonly lignum vitae.
The hole was probably drilled to add weight, using molten metal, such as lead.
Sphere only for sale. Pedestal for display purposes only. See less