Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 18

Set of 33 Antique Wood Bowling Balls, Late 1800 s USA

$44,500per set
£33,636.85per set
€38,582.86per set
CA$62,034.83per set
A$67,529.97per set
CHF 35,844.94per set
MX$812,530.93per set
NOK 454,204.11per set
SEK 416,179.32per set
DKK 288,134.49per set

About the Item

This remarkable set of 33 antique wooden bowling balls is an exceptional find, dating back to the late 1800s United States. Each piece is meticulously crafted from Lignum Vitae, a prized tropical hardwood native to the Caribbean and South America, renowned for its extraordinary density and durability. Unlike modern bowling balls which are molded around a rubber core, these were made of solid wood, and joined together with wooden pegs. These are not just sporting relics, but sculptural artifacts with deep visual and tactile personality. No two balls are alike, as they vary subtly in size, color, patina, and hole configuration. The wood’s deep hues range from dark chocolate browns to warm, reddish tones, with beautiful wood grain and surface wear that tells the story of a century. They create an impactful visual composition, whether arranged as a historical installation or used as design objects. The largest set currently available on the market. An unparalleled addition to any collection of sporting paraphernalia or historical artifacts. Sold exclusively as a set of 33. Located at our Los Angeles showroom.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Diameter: 8 in (20.32 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 33
  • Style:
    Folk Art (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1800s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1853347728052

More From This Seller

View All
Hand-Made Wooden Bowling Balls, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand made wooden bowling balls with thumb and finger grips carved out of the wood. Slightly varying size and patina for each ball as well as some being painted blue while others are ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Folk Art Toys

Materials

Metal

Giant Hand-Made Wooden Bowling Balls, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand made wooden bowling balls with thumb and finger grips carved out of the wood. 12" in diameter. Heavy and substantial. Slightly varying size and patina for each ball giving them ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Folk Art Toys

Materials

Wood

Vintage Carnival Toss Game
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool piece of Carnival ephemera. Two hand-painted, wooden blocks with cut-out. Three bean bags. Interesting object and game. Great vintage condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Small Swiss Concrete Ball Planters, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small concrete Swiss ball planters in the style of Willy Guhl. Great patina to each planter. Great for indoors or outside. Heavy and substantial. Priced i...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Set of Three Bud Vases by Walther
By Frederick W. Walther
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great set of three glass bud vases by Walther. Classic circular shape. Excellent vintage condition. Sold as a set.
Category

Vintage 1970s German Vases

Materials

Glass

Hermès Anti-Stress Ball in Tan Leather, 2000s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This one's for the baseball lovers and luxury collectors. Designed as a limited-edition item, Hermès released these "Herstress" anti-stress balls in the 2000s. With quality always at...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Lambskin, Leather

You May Also Like

19th Century Spanish Bowling Balls
Located in Round Top, TX
A terrific pair of mid-19th century carved wood bowling balls. A great accessory for any tabletop or bookcase.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Toys

Materials

Wood

10 Carpet Lawn Bowling Hand Carved Wood Stone Balls Antique Office Gift Idea
Located in West Hollywood, CA
10 Carpet Lawn bowling hand carved wood & stone balls antique office gift idea. A Beautiful Decorative Antique collection of 9 + 1 boules balls Carved Wood and a Jack Carved Stone ba...
Category

Antique 19th Century Scottish Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Large Set Of Antique Boule Balls, 13 Pieces, Pétanque, 1880s, France
Located in Greven, DE
Large Boule ball set of 13 pieces, France, late 19th Century. Unrestored, original condition with signs of age and use. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwen...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antiquities

Materials

Metal, Copper, Steel

Antique Boule Balls Set "9", Pétanque, 1880s, France, Craftsmanship
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful, unique Boule set of three Boule balls and one target ball, France, late 19th century. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwent significant development in France as the game of boules, particularly the pétanque variant, gained in popularity. The manufacture of boules balls during this period was a manual process that required expertise, precision and love to detail. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in rural areas of France and other Mediterranean regions, olive wood was a commonly used source of material for making boules balls. This was not only due to the availability of the material, but also to the outstanding properties of olive wood, which was characterized by hardness, strength and a rich grain. First, the olive wood was carefully selected and shaped into raw balls, which were then sanded to the desired size and shape. The nails were then hammered into the balls one by one, making sure that they were evenly distributed and firmly anchored. Finally, the spheres were polished and coated with a protective varnish to enhance their natural beauty and protect them from the elements. The use of nails to decorate and reinforce olive wood boules was a traditional practice that not only gave the ball a rustic aesthetic, but also improved its durability and contributed to customization. Many balls were made according to the specific requirements and preferences of the players. Nails were driven at regular intervals around the ball, with each nail hole precisely placed so as not to affect the balance and weight distribution of the ball. These nails not only served as a decorative element, but also helped to strengthen the structure of the ball and make it more resistant to the hard knocks and wear and tear during play. Individual engravings or decorations were often applied to the balls to make them unique and identify the player. Antique boules...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antiquities

Materials

Olive

Antique Boule Balls Set "B", Pétanque, 1880s, France, Craftsmanship
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful, unique Boule set of three Boule balls, France, late 19th Century. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwent significant development in France as the game of boules, particularly the pétanque variant, gained in popularity. The manufacture of boules balls during this period was a manual process that required expertise, precision and love to detail. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in rural areas of France and other Mediterranean regions, olive wood was a commonly used source of material for making boules balls. This was not only due to the availability of the material, but also to the outstanding properties of olive wood, which was characterized by hardness, strength and a rich grain. First, the olive wood was carefully selected and shaped into raw balls, which were then sanded to the desired size and shape. The nails were then hammered into the balls one by one, making sure that they were evenly distributed and firmly anchored. Finally, the spheres were polished and coated with a protective varnish to enhance their natural beauty and protect them from the elements. The use of nails to decorate and reinforce olive wood boules was a traditional practice that not only gave the ball a rustic aesthetic, but also improved its durability and contributed to customization. Many balls were made according to the specific requirements and preferences of the players. Nails were driven at regular intervals around the ball, with each nail hole precisely placed so as not to affect the balance and weight distribution of the ball. These nails not only served as a decorative element, but also helped to strengthen the structure of the ball and make it more resistant to the hard knocks and wear and tear during play. Individual engravings or decorations were often applied to the balls to make them unique and identify the player. Antique boules...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antiquities

Materials

Olive

Antique Boule Set, Boule Balls, Pétanque, 1880s, France, Craftsmanship
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful, unique Boule set of three Boule balls, France, late 19th century. In the 19th century, antique metal boules balls experienced a renaissance that took the game of boules to a new level. These ornately crafted balls were not only instruments of the game, but also symbols of elegance and sophistication in leisure activities. Made from high-quality metals such as steel or brass, Boule balls were forged and polished by skilled craftsmen to ensure a smooth and even surface. The antique boules...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antiquities

Materials

Metal