When the A1 Black Balls were released in 1891 by the Gutta Percha Company in London, one of their advertised selling points was the fact that they were guaranteed to be four months old before they were painted. Despite the name Black, this ball's white paint job is still in fabulous condition, with the stamped name clearly visible.

This ball is marked A1 Black 27 1/2 on just one pole. This an outstanding ball.  Maybe it was played a few holes or maybe not. There are no strike marks to the ball and the paint still possesses its beautiful original luster

This ball is 2nd row right in the group shot in the accompanying images.