Vintage Bocce Balls

Ancient volcanic rock form from Auvergne, France. Known as "Bourne a Boule". "Bourne a Boule" essentially means a ball-shaped boundary marker.

Vintage barbell hand weights. Priced individually.

Vintage wooden candlabra remnants from Italy dating back to the 1770's. Remnants are carved from wood and covered in a gold gilt and paint.(Each sold separately) Small: $250 Mediu...

Large carved wooden bowl. Rustic patina with visible tool marks. Late 19th century, circa 1890, Spain.

Complete Boule ball set of 8 pieces, France, late 19th Century. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwent significant development in France as the game of boule...

Hand made wooden bowling balls with thumb and finger grips carved out of the wood. Slightly varying size and patina for each ball as well as some being painted blue while others are ...

Large Boule ball set of 13 pieces, France, late 19th Century. Unrestored, original condition with signs of age and use. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwen...

Beautiful, unique Boule set of three Boule balls and one target ball, France, late 19th century. 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...