Early Smooth Gutty (Golf ball)
Early smooth gutty
Name/Title
Early Smooth Gutty (Golf ball)Entry/Object ID
2025.1.714Description
Solid moulded meshed ball.Context
Known as a 'Gutta Percha', the ball has a mesh pattern of squares and diamonds. The solid gutty golf ball replaced the 'featherie' ball because it could be made in a matter of minutes and had less expensive materials. The 'Gutty' era lasted from around 1848 well into 1900's, and the lower price made the game available for many more people. "To make a gutty golf ball first the Gutta Percha was heated and loosely rolled into a ball shape. The ball was then put into the mould and placed into a press. The press would imprint the pattern onto the ball and the excess would squeeze out of the sides. The seams were then trimmed when cool, leaving a hard and non-brittle "Gutty" golf ball. The durability of the gutta along with its lower costs and better play rejuvenated the game of golf. Gutta Percha is the evaporated latex produced from a tree (the Sapodilla tree), mostly found in Malaysia" (Sport Antiques).Category
Sport