Another great piece of American history, the W&B Diamond was the second golf ball to be granted a US Patent!  Dunn's Stars and Stripes ball being the first. (see lot)

Marked "Diamond / W&B Co" on opposites sides of the equator, and stamped Pat. Jan 3, 1899 on each pole, this gutty ball has a unique multi-diamond pattern. This ball was designed by George Barnes of Akron, Ohio, and produced by the Whitman and Barnes Manufacturing Company also located in Akron.

According to the US design patent (No 29,949) issued on Jan 3, 1899, to Whitman and Barnes, "The essential feature of this ball is the configuration produced by a having several large diamond-shaped figures arranged around each principal pole, the diamonds around opposite poles meshing into each other and forming a lacework of large diamond figures covering the entire ball, each of the large diamonds being subdivided into a large number of small diamonds with sides approximately parallel to the sides of the large diamonds, the whole presenting an ornamental and attractive appearance."

This exceedingly rare ball shows signs of use, but its not bad. There are three or so small creases/cuts and the paint is worn, which makes some of the lettering on the poles difficult to read. Even so, the ball is clearly identifiable, still quite attractive, and it presents well. It would make a great addition to any collection.