Antique English Lignum Vitae Lawn Bowl with Carved Scalloped Bands, No. 22

Antique English Lignum Vitae Lawn Bowl with Carved Scalloped Bands, No. 22

A truly beautiful piece of British sporting history, this antique lawn bowl stands out for its decorative detail: each side is encircled by a hand-tooled band of interlocking scallops, framed by crisp concentric rings that draw the eye to the inset disc at its center. One disc is stenciled with the number "22," while the other is plain and has mellowed to a soft cream.

Turned from dense lignum vitae, the bowl has deepened to a rich chocolate brown, and on its running surface a warm patch of golden sapwood reveals the wood's natural beauty. A series of faint stamps adds to its story, including "H 8," "No. 3 Bias," a crescent moon mark, and a small "1 2" beneath the disc.

Country of Origin: England (likely London)
Estimated Date: Early 20th century (a "1 2" stamp may suggest 1912)
Material: Lignum vitae with inset discs
Maker: Possibly J. Jaques & Son Ltd.
Markings: Disc stenciled "22," with "H 8" stamped above and "1 2" below. Crescent moon stamp. "No. 3 Bias." Faint stamp possibly reading "London." Partially legible circular stamp on side.
Dimensions: 16¼" Circumference
Quantity: Single

Condition
Good antique condition, consistent with age and genuine use. The wood shows a deep patina with scratches, scuffs, and small dings, particularly on the running surface, and natural color variation where the golden sapwood shows through. The discs show light wear and toning, and some stamps have faded with time. These characteristics contribute to the authenticity and character of the piece and do not detract from its beauty. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Collected Notes
Lawn bowls has been played across Britain for centuries, and for generations the finest bowls were turned from lignum vitae, an exceptionally dense tropical hardwood prized for its weight and durability. Each bowl was shaped with a bias so it curves as it slows, and players marked their bowls with numbers, initials, and stamps to tell them apart. Decorative tooled bands like the scalloped borders on this bowl were a mark of quality, and London makers such as Jaques, long renowned for croquet sets and parlor games, supplied bowls to clubs across the country.

Why We Collected It
We were drawn to the hand-tooled scalloped bands, a decorative detail that sets this bowl apart from the others in our collection. Paired with the bold "22" disc, its layered stamps, and that flash of golden sapwood, it's a piece that rewards a closer look.

Tisbury House Styling Notes
Display this bowl on a bookshelf, desk, or mantel, turned to show off its scalloped bands or golden grain, or set it in a wooden dough bowl or tray with other vintage objects. It pairs beautifully with leather-bound books, sporting prints, and brass, and makes a striking centerpiece in a grouping with our Taylor-Rolph and E. J. Riley lawn bowls.