Billiard Ball Value Guide

Dating from 1880 to 1920, this ivory billiard ball represents a pivotal era in gaming history before the transition to synthetic materials. These pieces are highly collectible due to their unique density and the significant role they played in the evolution of billiards and early conservation efforts.

What Is Billiard Ball Worth?

The typical price range for Billiard Ball is $75 - $85 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of a uniform ivory color without excessive staining or deep cracks.
• The spherical integrity and lack of flat spots from heavy historical gameplay.
• Current market demand for late 19th-century gaming memorabilia within the $75-$85 price range.
• Documentation or provenance that confirms the ball's origin and material composition.

How to Identify Billiard Ball?

• Look for the presence of Schreger lines, which are cross-hatch patterns unique to natural ivory.
• Check for a slight off-white or yellowish patina consistent with the 1880-1920 era.
• Examine the surface for small cracks or 'checking' that often occurs as organic ivory ages and dries.
• Verify the weight and density, as ivory balls feel significantly heavier and smoother than early clay or wooden alternatives.

History of Billiard Ball

Billiard balls have a rich history, evolving from wooden balls in the 15th century to clay, then ivory, and eventually modern plastics. Ivory balls, like this one, were popular from the 17th century until the early 20th century, prized for their density and smooth play. The demand for ivory led to significant ethical concerns and the search for synthetic alternatives, marking a pivotal moment in the game's history and conservation efforts.