Antique, Unused Golf Ball, Gutta Percha, Mesh Pattern

Antique, Unused Golf Ball, Gutta Percha, Mesh Pattern

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Reference

28894

Unused Antique Gutty Golf Ball.
An exceptional example of a moulded mesh patterned Victorian gutta percha golf ball, manufacture unknown. The ball is in mint condition and is with the classic mesh pattern and original white paint.

The ball is approximately 1 5/8 inch in diameter (4.2 cm).

The solid gutty golf ball replaced the feathery ball because of its cost effectiveness, as a gutty could be rolled in a matter of minutes, and slowly the game of golf became affordable to the masses. The 'Gutty' era lasted from around 1848 well into 1900's.

To make a gutty golf ball first the gutta-percha was heated and loosely rolled into a ball shape. The ball was then put into the mould and then placed into a press. The press would imprint the pattern onto the ball and the excess would squeeze out of the sides. The seams were then trimmed when cool, leaving a hard and non-brittle "Gutty" golf ball. The durability of the gutta along with its lower costs and better play rejuvenated the game of golf.
Gutta-percha is the evaporated latex produced from a tree, mostly found in Malaysia.

Dimensions:

Diameter 4.2 cm / 1 "
Period

1850-1899

Year

Circa 1890's

Medium

gutta percha

Country

United Kingdom

Collections

George Scoble

Condition

Mint condition, unused.

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