Is It a Find?

Dear Dan, My late husband collected antique golf items. He sold his whole collection decades ago but held onto these three golf balls, which were kept in the top drawer of his dresser. Are they worth anything or should I just dispose of them? I couldn't imagine they are worth much since they are just golf balls, but I figured I should check. Sincerely, Beth, Walpole, NH Hello Beth, The three golf balls you submitted were made by the Henley Tyre and Rubber Company in England during the 1890s. They appear to be in impeccable condition without any signs of use. The ball in the center is called the Union Flag due to its pattern and the other two are named and marked "B. Marking." It is quite rare to find these balls unused and so well cared for. Your golf balls are composed of solid gutta-percha, a hard rubber-like material derived from the Malaysian gum tree. In 1848 gutta-percha began to replace the traditional golf ball which was made from leather stuffed with feathers. Gutta-percha balls were used up until the early 1900s and were replaced by a rubber-core ball which offered a more resilient construction. These updated balls are often called Haskell balls, named after its inventor, Corburn Haskell. The Haskell ball is similar to the modern golf ball that we use today: it has a rubber core, tightly wrapped with rubber thread and covered with a hard rubber material called balata. You might want to refrain from disposing of them and find a very safe place to store them, as they are quite valuable. The two marked "B. Marking" could bring between $700-1000 apiece and the Union Flag ball might realize upwards of $4,000! These balls would be worth far less if they showed signs of use or wear; their pristine condition makes them extremely sought after by collectors. Thank you for the more than interesting submission and congratulations on your find. I am so glad you inquired before disposing of them as they would make a wonderful addition to a museum's or someone's personal collection.