Lot # 8: Henley, 1895 Union Jack Gutta Percha Golf Ball

Category: Golf Balls

Starting Bid: $2,500.00

Bids: 0 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2020",
which ran from 3/9/2020 2:30 PM to
3/28/2020 8:00 PM



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 particular Union Jack ball appears to be unused.  There are a few minor chips in the paint, acquired during the past 124 years of its existence.  Truly a beautiful ball, and one of the most desirable and rare gutty 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 from among the most interesting and valuable balls in existence.

 

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