Target Ball...should I go back and get it?

[BarbaraInCalif]

The hubby patiently let me stop at an antique shop on Saturday. They had what looked to be a target ball for 40 bucks: hopnail in a light purple that did not look SCA. I know absolutely nothing about this kind of glass. Should I be wary of fantasy (that term bugs me for some reason) or reproduction target balls out there? If so, what should I look for?

Thanks for the advice,
Barbara

 

[cyberdigger]

That's probably a good deal IF it's the real thing.. if it's not too inconvenient, you should go back and get a couple pics and show us.. and check for embossing.. good luck!

 

[bearswede]

I think I may have heard about repros but it may have been fire grenades. It was a while ago and the conversation is a little foggy.

Definitely fire grenade repos out there... I think there was some monkey business involving target balls on ebay, but not sure about any fakes other than faked photos...

Ron

 

[CALDIGR2]

Barbara, target balls are about 2 1/2" in diameter and have a small, short neck with burst opening. I am not aware of any being reproduced, but like anything else these days, who knows? There are amethyst British made balls that have motif of a man shooting embossed in a small circle. Go back and have a closer look.

 

[BarbaraInCalif]

It seemed a bit bigger...perhaps up to 31/2 inches...and there was no pictorial embossing.
Can't imagine a fire grenade being hobnail; not the best grip for throwing!

 

[glass man]

I AIN'T REAL GOOD IN MATH AND I AIN'T TRYING TO BE CUTE BUT 31/2 INCHES? IS THAT 15INCHS AND SOME LEFT OVER. ANY WAY IF IT IS A TARGET BALL AND I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD JUMP ON IT! I'VE NEVER SEEN A UNDAMAGED ONE SELL THAT CHEAP! YES TAKE A SHOT OF IT ![A PICTURE NO PUN INTENDED!]

 

[BarbaraInCalif]

Yeah Jamie, caught that after it was too late to edit it and yes, you truely ARE a funny guy!
3 1/2"...what a difference a space makes.
We'll be going back today for a second look. Hopefull this 'Ol lady didn't read the pricetag wrong ...cause a decimal off is a big deal too!

Barbara

 

[capsoda]

At 3 1/2 inches it is probably an alcohol lamp bottom. They were used by jewelers and watchmakers. The holders (base) and other parts were sometimes made of silver and were sold. You can still get them new and colored antique ones come up on ebay all the time.

 

[BarbaraInCalif]

Being a jewelers lamp makes sense.
It is about 3.5 to 4.0 inches in diameter.
Flat pontiled bottom.
Somewhat roughly finished, slightly flared lip.

It is $75. Didn't get it as I don't like spending that much on something unknown to me...

What do you think?

 

[BarbaraInCalif]

Finish.
Used my cell phone so the photos aren't the best...

Of interest: I can see my own picts just fine!