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EARLY 19TH CENTURY GOLF BALLS
One of the most important developments in golf was the use of gutta- percha in the making of a golf ball. By tradition, in 1845, the Rev. Dr. R. Paterson received a carved statue from Malaysia packed with 'chunks and chips' of a pliable packing material called gutta percha, a Malaysian phrase meaning 'tree sap'. Lore had it that he then made it into a ball, painted in white and, on an April morning at St. Andrews, played golf with it.
The 'gutty' golf ball revolutionised the game. It became possible for anyone to make a gutty ball. It could be remoulded and was cheaper than the feather variety. The new, harder ball also dictated a redesign of the golf club as the slender and elegant longnose clubs could not withstand the more forceful impact of the harder gutty ball. The gutta- percha balls went through various transitions in composition and differing cover patterns for the best part of 50 years.
A VERY RARE RED-PAINTED FEATHER-FILLED GOLF BALL
CIRCA 1840
Details
A VERY RARE RED-PAINTED FEATHER-FILLED GOLF BALL
CIRCA 1840
apparently unsigned, nearly mint condition
CIRCA 1840
apparently unsigned, nearly mint condition
Provenance
Christie's Scotland, 18 July 1991, lot 183.
Brought to you by
Philip Harley