Antique English Lignum Vitae Lawn Bowl with Numbered Discs

Antique English Lignum Vitae Lawn Bowl with Numbered Discs

A beautiful and characterful piece of British sporting history, this antique lawn bowl was turned from dense lignum vitae and finished with crisp concentric rings on each side. Inset discs on both sides are marked with the number “6,” and have mellowed to a warm honey-gold that glows against the deep, dark wood.

Turn it over and the bowl reveals a stunning surprise: a swirl of golden sapwood meeting the rich chocolate heartwood, with natural figuring and fine checks in the grain that make it as much a piece of natural art as a piece of sporting equipment. Smaller than many of its counterparts and remarkably well preserved for its age, it’s a lovely sculptural object with real presence.

Country of Origin: England
Estimated Date: Early 20th century (a faint “1 2” stamp may suggest 1912)
Material: Lignum vitae with aged inset discs
Maker: Unmarked
Markings: Discs numbered “6” on both sides; faint “1 2” stamp
Dimensions: 16¼" Circumference
Quantity: Single

Condition
Excellent antique condition for its age, with natural wear consistent with genuine use. The wood shows a rich patina, light scratches, surface marks, and natural checking in the grain, particularly on the running surface. The discs have toned to a warm gold with fine surface wear. 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 much of that history the finest bowls were turned from lignum vitae, an exceptionally dense and heavy tropical hardwood prized for its durability. Each bowl was shaped with a bias so it curves as it slows, and players marked their sets with numbered discs to tell their bowls apart. Older bowls often carry only a few markings, and their simple, beautifully figured wood makes them especially appealing to collectors.

Why We Collected It
We were captivated by the contrast between the deep, dark wood and the golden swirl of sapwood beneath. With its warm honey discs and smaller size, it has a quiet elegance all its own, and it’s in wonderful condition for a bowl of this age.

Tisbury House Styling Notes
Display this bowl on a bookshelf, desk, or mantel, turned to show off its 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 addition to a grouping with our Taylor-Rolph and E. J. Riley lawn bowls.