What are the oldest pool balls?

The earliest known written reference to ivory billiard balls is in the 1588 inventory of the Duke of Norfolk, but these types of balls were recorded to be in high demand and more main stream as far back as 1627. Then the dyed and number balls were not as popular until the 1770's.

When was the first pool ball made?

Ivory pool balls were made from the 17th century, although there were still ivories in 1875 until 1920. However, in 1869, manufacturers started looking for an alternative option.

What were old pool balls made of?

There was a time when taking a perfect shot in a game of billiards could cause the ball to explode. That's because the balls were made of celluloid, an early plastic that was, unfortunately, combustible. It was patented on this day in 1869, just a few years after the first human-made plastic, Parkesine.

What are Bakelite pool balls?

For instance, Phelan Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite in 1907 to make pool balls. This plastic material is new and durable, so Bakelite balls did not explode, unlike celluloid balls. Until the 1920s, Bakelite balls had become the favorite standard.

What are the original pool ball colors?

Billiard Balls (1953)

What is the most popular pool ball?

For several decades Belgian Aramith Billiard balls have enjoyed a legendary reputation for outstanding endurance and uncompromised quality. Used by over 85% of players worldwide, they are recognised as the reference of the industry.

When did pool balls become red and yellow?

My late father Malc Ferris introduced red and yellow balls to the UK pool scene back in 1980, whilst working for Javelin Pool.

Why is Bakelite no longer used?

By the late 1940s, newer materials were superseding Bakelite in many areas. Phenolics are less frequently used in general consumer products today due to their cost and complexity of production and their brittle nature.

How can you tell the difference between Bakelite and Catalin?

Bakelite only comes in dark colors, usually black or dark brown. Catalin can come in a wide variety of color colors, including bright colors and marbling. Bakelite is opaque, while catalin is often translucent (can often see this at the edges of an item).

Why is Bakelite so special?

Like many modern plastics, Bakelite was lightweight and durable, and it could be molded into nearly infinite shapes, so its use quickly expanded as manufacturers realized its potential.

When did they stop making ivory pool balls?

Ivory balls were used up until the 1970's with A.E. Schmidt manufacturing them until 1975. The problem with Ivory is that it is a natural substance and tends to react poorly with certain temperatures and humidity.

Do pool balls go bad?

Nevertheless, balls sometimes need replacing after considerable use. This is more common among sets made from polyester and acrylic. Aramith balls, manufactured from phenolic resin, are said to last five times longer than other balls. Interestingly, cheaper balls threaten the longevity of the billiard cloth.

How do I know if my pool balls are Aramith?

So beware of imitations and check for the Aramith logo and/or the Aramith name on the box to be sure you've got a genuine Aramith phenolic ball set.

Are ivory pool balls better?

The best billiard balls once came exclusively from the tusks of Asian elephants. No natural material other than elephant ivory had the physical size, strength, and beauty to perform in the billiard room and the concert hall.

What is the oldest pool in use?

The "Great Bath" at the site of Mohenjo-Daro in modern-day Pakistan was most likely the first swimming pool, dug during the 3rd millennium BC. This pool is 12 by 7 metres, is lined with bricks, and was covered with a tar-based sealant.

What is the oldest pool table?

The earliest documented record of a billiard table was made in 1470. In an inventory of the possessions of King Louis XI of France, his table was said to have contained the following: a bed of stone, a cloth covering, and a hole in the middle of the playing field, into which balls could be driven.

What color Bakelite is the most valuable?

Red is one of the most sought-after Bakelite colors, and the classic cherry design is one of the most popular Bakelite forms, forming a perfect pair in this eccentric bauble.

What year did they stop using Bakelite?

Bakelite applications in conservation were discontinued in the 1940s because of certain disadvantages that soon became apparent. The lack of records and relevant information precludes any assumption on the extent of its use and in which institutions.

Is vintage Bakelite safe?

Bakelite jewelry is stable and considered as safe to wear as any other plastic jewelry; the danger in terms of chemical exposure was in the manufacturing process. If your bakelite jewelry breaks however, it is recommended that you no longer handle it to avoid breathing in dust particles.

Does Bakelite still contain asbestos?

Unfortunately asbestos was sometimes added as a filler instead of wood. Bakelite products can therefore contain up to 5% amosite (brown asbestos) which is extremely dangerous, but it is impossible to know which Bakelite products, or how many, contain asbestos.

Does Bakelite have asbestos in it?

While Bakelite contained asbestos from at least 1909 to 1974, most American manufacturers phased out asbestos around the mid-1980s. Asbestos plastic products remain in production internationally.

Is Bakelite still collectible?

Today, jewelry made of original Bakelite material still holds its value as seen in this Mark Davis Floral Bakelite Bangle and this Four Color Bakelite Beaded Necklace. Collectors often deal in vintage Bakelite and suggest only buying from a reputable and experienced dealer as a way to avoid purchasing Fakelite.

What do they call pool in England?

pool, also called life pool, British billiards game in which each player uses a cue ball of a different colour and tries to pocket the ball of a particular opponent, thus taking a “life.” Players have three lives and pay into a betting pool at the start of the game. The last player with a life wins the pool.

Is there a purple pool ball?

But even then, the dark blue (2 and 10) and purple (4 and 12) can be difficult to distinguish on video. To attempt to improve this, Aramith created a “TV ball” color scheme, where purple was replaced by pink.

Why are pool balls numbered?

The balls are numbered and colored as in the table. Balls 1 through 7 are the suit of solids and 9 through 15 are the stripes stripes . The 8 ball is not considered part of either suit. Striped balls were introduced around 1889.