This is a great golf ball in great condition! Known as the "Union Jack" ball because the ball's surface is modeled
after the national flag of the United Kingdom, this ball was made by the
Henley Telegraph Works Company, Limited.
According to the February 22,
1895 issue of Golf (p. 406), "the gutta of which the ball is
made is of the finest; but the ball is different from other balls on the
market, inasmuch as the nicking is entirely on novel lines. It is
grooved in a series of rings, divided into compartments and curiously
interwoven with the happiest effect to the eye, as well as utility in
scoring the longest flight.... The name "Henley" is printed on two sides
of the ball, and this, together with its novelty above described,
prevents a player from taking refuge in the well-worn excuse attached to
playing the wrong ball—namely, that he did not know the one from the
other, owing to their similarity of nicking, though coming from the
factory of different makers."
This Union Jack ball is in excellent condition. The original paint is still strong and the ball shows only light use. it stands as one of the most
desirable and rare gutty a percha balls in existence.
I have included an 1896 advertisement for the Henley, plus an image
of the cover of Kevin McGimpsey's "The Story of the Golf Ball." Notice
the beautiful Henley. To create his cover shot, McGimpsey chose some of
the most interesting and valuable balls in the world.
This ball front row left in the accompanying group image.