Quilted Diamond Pattern Target Ball
Quilted Diamond Pattern Target Ball
Germany or possibly Czechoslovakia
Medium to Deep Cobalt Blue
Provenance: Ex: Ralph Finch Collection, American Glass Gallery
Our “Quilted Diamond Pattern Target Ball” was probably made in Germany, or possibly Czechoslovakia from 1875 to 1900. Certainly, a broad geographic and date range but not much is known about this specific piece.
The target ball is in a medium-to-deep cobalt blue glass color with a quilted diamond pattern. There is no embossed copy and no discernible mold seams but it was likely blown in a 2-piece mold. It has a sheared neck and is 2-5/8” in diameter and in perfect condition.
The quilting pattern is similar to a Gablonz ball from Czechoslovakia with the exception of having horizontal rows of 15 diamonds. Most Gablonz balls typically have horizontal rows of 14 diamonds. Both are shown below for comparison.
See our museum example of a Gablonz Target Ball.
Primary Image: Quilted Diamond Pattern Target Ball imaged on location by the FOHBC Virtual Museum midwest studio led by Alan DeMaison.
Primary Image: Auction Lot 731: Quilted Diamond Pattern Target Ball, Germany, or possibly Czechoslovakia, 1875-1900. Medium-to-deep cobalt blue, quilted diamond pattern, no discernible mold seams, but likely blown in a 2-piece mold, sheared neck, dia. 2 5/8”, perfect. Similar to a Gablonz ball, but with horizontal rows of 15 diamonds (most Gablonz balls typically have horizontal rows of 14 diamonds). A bright, clean example, nice color and clarity. – The Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera, An Absentee Auction in Six Parts – 2017-2019, John Pastor and American Glass Gallery
Manipulated Illustration: Auction Lot 550: “THE DAILY GRAPHIC” Newspaper Cover, New York, January 8, 1880. Full-page, B&W, original newspaper cover for the Daily Graphic, An Illustrated Evening Newspaper, showing an International Glass Ball Match with caricatures of men shooting at glass balls with images of crowns and figureheads, including a Bogardus Ball Trap in the foreground. 20 ¼” ht. x 14” wide (including frame), perfect. An interesting, highly graphic, historical cover showing target balls being used for political purposes. The Quilted Diamond Pattern Target Ball was added to illustration for visual interest. – The Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera, An Absentee Auction in Six Parts – 2017-2019, John Pastor and American Glass Gallery
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