Page 29 - 0217

February, 2017 The Antique Shoppe Page 29
BOWLING COLLECTIBLES

By: Jeff Figler

I recently read that a 95-year old man rolled a 300 game, a In the United States, the popularity of bowling increased For example, the bowling ball and bag that were used by
perfect score. That was incredible in itself, but it was his tenth tremendously in the 1800s, and bowling clubs were common. Carroll O’Connor in his role as Archie Bunker in the immensely
perfect game. That news piece brought back In 1895, the American Bowling Congress was formed for men, popular “All in the Family” television show were auctioned.
memories of my futile attempts when I was and in 1917 the Women’s International Bowling Congress was The ball is actually monogrammed with the initials “A.B.”. The
much younger to even get half that started. items sold for nearly $1500.
score. However, I do remember Bowling balls, which has been made of very hard wood, Not surprisingly, baseball great Stan Musial of the St. Louis
rolling around a 167 once or started to be made of rubber. In 1914, the Brunswick Cardinals got into the act himself. As St. Louis was regarded
twice, and saying to myself that Corporation marketed the mineralite ball made of rubber. as the bowling capital for many years, undoubtedly Musial
I would never score that high Finally, in 1951, the American Machine and Foundry hung around with some of the great bowlers on teams often
again. I was right. Company (AMF) acquired the patent rights to the automatic sponsored by Budweiser. Musial’s bowling bag naturally had
But I must admit that bowling pinspotter. However, what really brought the Cardinals logo bird mowing down bowling pins. In a 2013
is indeed an activity (sport, bowling to American households was the Heritage auction the bag went for almost $1600.
game) for the entire family, advent of none other than television. But none other than Babe Ruth tried his hand at bowling as
and for all ages. Just stick your NBC first started televising well. This is evidenced by a bowling scorecard that he signed.
fingers through the holes and “Championship Bowling”, which The scorecard clearly shows that he rolled games of 196 and
let the ball fly. Of course, if you was followed by “Make That Spare”, 191. Not bad for anyone. Actually, the scorecard was signed
have long fingernails you need to “Celebrity Bowling”, as well as “Bowling three times by Ruth, and sold for $2629.
be particularly careful that you don’t For Dollars”. In 1961, ABC began Bowling is certainly a game for everyone, except maybe for
break them. Archie Bunker’s televising Pro Bowlers Association (PBA) those who have long fingernails.
But how did such a popular sport Bag & Ball competition. Jeff Figler, one of the world’s leading experts on collectibles,
originate? Who came up with the idea of the activity that has Bowlers such as Don Carter, Dick Weber has authored over 600 published articles, and six books
evolved through the years that we nowadays know as bowling. (and later his son Pete), and Billy Welu, among others, on collecting. He is currently a columnist for several
Well, the answer is not known. In the 1930s, a British were seen on television by millions of Americans, magazines, including Sports Business Journal, Sports
anthropologist Sir Flinders Petrie and Chris Schenkel Collectors Digest, Collectors Journal, and others.
discovered some objects in an Egyptian broadcasting talent His latest book, Picker’s Pocket Guide to Baseball
grave that resembled a crude form of became known. Memorabilia by Krause Publications, was released
bowling. So possibly the Egyptian started It is estimated that December 2014. You can contact Jeff at info@
bowling. However, there is evidence approximately 95 jefffigler.com or by visiting his website
that some form of bowling was played in million people enjoy www.collectingwithjeff.com.
England in the 1300s during the reign of bowling in about 90
King Edward III, and later when King Henry countries across the
VIII ruled. world. Nowadays
Most likely, English, German, and Dutch there is worldwide
settlers brought some kind of bowling to competition under
America. The author Washington Irving the auspices of the
mentioned that Rip Van Winkle awake Federation Nationale des
to the sound of “crashing ninepins”. New Quilleurs (FIQ).
York City’s Battery area was probably the Collectors have been
location of the country’s first lawn bowling. quick to look for bowling
That area in New York City, now called Babe Ruth signed score card collectibles as well, notably of
Bowling Green, is in the financial area. celebrities.

Q. I found this old washboard in my
Questions & Answers family’s old farm house attic. What is
unusual is the fact that the washboard
part is made of rippled glass. On the
by Anne Gilbert wood top it is printed “Atlantic, No. 510,
National Washboard, Chicago, Memphis.
“On the glass it is engraved “National.”
What is the age and value if any?
— J.T.C. - DesMoines, IA
Q. This beautiful cut glass
punch bowl on a matching stand A. Washboards were made in
is considered an heirloom in our many materials over the years. Even
family. It is always brought out only potteries such as Bennington made
for the Christmas holidays for punch. washboards in the 19th century, as did
It is signed “Hawkes” and is around others. Beginning in the 19th century
14” high and 15” diameter. Can you washboards took on an interesting new
tell me something about it and an look with the use of colorful advertising
insurance value? filling the space above the soap tray. By the end of WWII, they were
— B.J. - Lancaster, PA made of glass, wood and ribbed glass, to mention a few materials.
Yours was probably made in the 1940s and could sell to one of the
A. What a wonderful heirloom many washboard collectors for $70 or more.
! It is one of the finest examples of
brilliant, cut glass, made in 1890-
1900 by master glassmaker Thomas Do you have an antique item and need more information? For a personal reply,
Hawkes. It is the Kensington pattern, one of the many patterns send a photo, history, size, any signatures with self-addressed, stamped envelope
of American pattern cut glass made during this period. You could and $25 to: Ann Gilbert-Strawbridge, 1811 Renaissance Commons Blvd.,
Boynton Bch, FL 33263
insure it for $2,000 or more.
Q. I recently inherited my grandmothers doll house A. In 1931 the Strombecker Company, in Moline, Ill.
that I believe dates from the 1930s, 40s. It still has some of Began making solid walnut, 1” scale, dollhouse furniture.
the furniture. Many of the pieces are wood and marked At the same time Germany was making quality, mahogany
“Strombecker.“ This armchair, however, looks to be dollhouse furniture, such as your Windsor type armchair,
handmade and is marked “Germany.” What can you tell me up to World War II. It and other such pieces could sell
about “Strombecker” and the armchair? Any idea of value? for $50 or more. The Strombecker pieces, made in large
— T. E. - Ft. Lauderdale, FL quantities are modestly priced. They sell for from $10
to $30 depending on the piece. There are thousands of
collectors and special shows year ‘round.