Grafl. Zu Solms. – Glasfab. Andreashutte

GRAFL . ZU SOLMS. GLASFAB. ANDREASHUTTE

Target Ball

Johann Grafl Zu Solms, Andreashutte, Poland

Golden Amber

Provenance: Ex: Ralph Finch Collection, American Glass Gallery

Here is a round glass ball that is somewhat of a mystery. The 2-5/8″ diameter “Grafl Zu Solms Glasfab Andreashutte” target ball is one of only a handful of balls with a long neck. This feature has puzzled target ball collectors who do not know why a small grouping of balls would be produced in such a manner. Research shows that this ball might be attributed to Johann Grafl Zu Solms and the ball made in a glass factory in the small town of Andreashutte. The Andreashutte glasshouse was founded in 1858 in Schlesien, Germany, now part of Poland.

The 2-piece mold ball is embossed ‘GRAFL . ZU SOLMS. GLASFAB. ANDREASHUTTE’ with three embossed periods. We usually see the ball in shades of amber, aqua, and clear glass. Our museum example is golden amber with a bit of an orange or reddish tone. There is a quilted diamond pattern above and below a center band that contains the embossed copy. The long neck terminates with a rough sheared mouth.

Primary Image: The Grafl. Zu Solms. – Glasfab. Andreashutte target ball imaged on location by the FOHBC Virtual Museum midwest studio led by Alan DeMaison.

Primary Image: Auction Lot 690: “GRAFL . ZU SOLMS. GLASFAB. ANDREASHUTTE” Target Ball, Germany, 1875-1900. Golden amber with a bit of an orange, or reddish tone, quilted diamond pattern above and below center band, 2-piece mold, long neck with rough sheared mouth. dia. 2 5/8”, near mint; (a bit of interior residue, otherwise perfect). A rare target ball that, despite their rarity, come in a variety of colors! – American Glass Gallery, The Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera, An Absentee Auction in Six Parts – 2017-2019

Support: Reference to What are target balls? I’m glad you asked! by Ralph Finch

Support: Reference to American Glass Gallery, The Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera, An Absentee Auction in Six Parts – 2017-2019.

Support Image: Auction Lot 132: “Grafl. Zu Solms.” – “Glasfab. Andreashutte” Target Ball, two-piece mold construction, Germany, 1875-1900. Spherical with the quilted diamond pattern above and below the center band, colorless, rough sheared mouth, dia. 2 5/8 inches. Unusual longer neck with thick glass and one of the few colorless target balls. Fine condition. Cindy Gaffney collection. – Norman C. Heckler & Company

Support Image : Auction Lot 132: Lot: 146 “Grafl. Zu Solms.” – “Glasfab. Andreashutte” Target Ball, two-piece mold construction, Germany, 1875-1900. Spherical with quilted diamond pattern above and below center band with embossed lettering, deep amber with strong puce tones, rough sheared mouth, dia. 2 5/8 inches. Thick glass, numerous bubbles and a wonderful color make this one a winner. Fine condition. Cindy Gaffney collection. – Norman C. Heckler & Company

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