{"product_id":"antique-english-lignum-vitae-lawn-bowl-with-numbered-discs","title":"Antique English Lignum Vitae Lawn Bowl with Numbered Discs","description":"\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAntique English Lignum Vitae Lawn Bowl with Numbered Discs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTurn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCountry of Origin: England\u003cbr\u003eEstimated Date: Early 20th century (a faint “1 2” stamp may suggest 1912)\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Lignum vitae with aged inset discs\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Unmarked\u003cbr\u003eMarkings: Discs numbered “6” on both sides; faint “1 2” stamp\u003cbr\u003eDimensions:\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e16¼\" Circumference\u003cbr\u003eQuantity: Single\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003eExcellent 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCollected Notes\u003cbr\u003eLawn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhy We Collected It\u003cbr\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTisbury House Styling Notes\u003cbr\u003eDisplay 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tisbury House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50857148547120,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0694\/5528\/2224\/files\/5B3A3C5F-2487-44E5-AF60-DDEB772253E3_1_102_o.jpg?v=1792614274","url":"https:\/\/www.tisburyhouse.com\/products\/antique-english-lignum-vitae-lawn-bowl-with-numbered-discs","provider":"Tisbury House ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}