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Pair Of Antique Boule Balls "3", Pétanque, 1880s, France, Craftsmanship
About the Item
Beautiful, unique Boule ball pair and one target ball, France, late 19th Century.
Decorated with the numer "3" on each of the Boule balls.
In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwent significant development in France as the game of boules, particularly the pétanque variant, gained in popularity. The manufacture of boules balls during this period was a manual process that required expertise, precision and love to detail.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in rural areas of France and other Mediterranean regions, olive wood was a commonly used source of material for making boules balls. This was not only due to the availability of the material, but also to the outstanding properties of olive wood, which was characterized by hardness, strength and a rich grain.
First, the olive wood was carefully selected and shaped into raw balls, which were then sanded to the desired size and shape. The nails were then hammered into the balls one by one, making sure that they were evenly distributed and firmly anchored. Finally, the spheres were polished and coated with a protective varnish to enhance their natural beauty and protect them from the elements.
The use of nails to decorate and reinforce olive wood boules was a traditional practice that not only gave the ball a rustic aesthetic, but also improved its durability and contributed to customization. Many balls were made according to the specific requirements and preferences of the players. Nails were driven at regular intervals around the ball, with each nail hole precisely placed so as not to affect the balance and weight distribution of the ball. These nails not only served as a decorative element, but also helped to strengthen the structure of the ball and make it more resistant to the hard knocks and wear and tear during play. Individual engravings or decorations were often applied to the balls to make them unique and identify the player.
Antique boules are now sought-after collector's items, representing not only the history and tradition of the game of boules, but also the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the regions in which they were made.
Each ball tells a story of craftsmanship and local artisanship that continues to be admired over time.
- Dimensions:Height: 3.55 in (9 cm)Diameter: 3.55 in (9 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- Style:Late Victorian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1880
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very nice, age-related and cleaned condition.
- Seller Location:Greven, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5419239377502
About the Seller
5.0
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Established in 2014
1stDibs seller since 2020
123 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Münster, Germany
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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