Gutta Percha Golf Ball

Gutta Percha Golf Ball

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Reference

28908

Solid Mesh Pattern Gutty Golf Ball.
A moulded square mesh patterned gutta percha golf ball in used condition. The 1890's Gutty ball still has the remains of white paint, manly in the grooves. Maker unknown.

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

The ball is used with some nicks but in good stable condition with some original paint.

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