Stars and Bars Pattern

Stars and Bars Pattern

Target Ball

Unknown, American

Golden Yellow

Provenance: Ex: Ralph Finch Collection, American Glass Gallery

When the Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera was auctioned off in six parts from 2017 to 2019, Ralph Finch wrote in the American Glass Gallery auction catalog that the glass orb called the “Stars and Bars” was a mystery and that he “raised a white flag” as far as identifying who made the ball?

This highly desirable ball is also referred to as the “stars and stripes” or the “dotted and ribbed” ball as it has raised random dots (or stars) all over the surface, with crude, uneven horizontal ribs running off the vertical mold seam. The catalog said it was made in America from 1875 to 1900. Obviously, this is a broad estimate based on the unknown aspects of the ball.

In a beautiful golden yellow coloration, this 2 5/8” diameter target ball was made in a 3-piece mold and has a rough sheared mouth. It is very rare, in perfect condition, and is typically found in amber.

There was a second “Stars and Bars Pattern” target ball in the Ralph Finch auction which was rather exciting as it was in aquamarine glass. As noted previously, these balls are typically found in shades of amber. The aquamarine examples are much rarer and extremely difficult to acquire. You can see our museum example of the aqua Stars and Bars Pattern Target Ball here.

Primary Image: Stars and Bars Pattern target balls imaged on location by the FOHBC Virtual Museum midwest studio led by Alan DeMaison.

Primary Image: Auction Lot 668: Stars and Stripes pattern Target Ball, America, 1875 – 1900.  Beautiful golden yellow coloration, known as the ‘Stars and Stripes’, or ‘Stars and Bars’ pattern, the ball is covered with tiny embossed stars or dimples, and the sides having horizontal stripes or bars, 3-piece mold, rough sheared mouth, dia. 2 5/8”, perfect! A great example of this rare and desirable ball, attractive pattern, beautiful light color, outstanding condition. – The Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera, An Absentee Auction in Six Parts – 2017-2019 – John Pastor and American Glass Gallery

Secondary Image: Auction Lot 771: Stars and Stripes pattern Target Ball, America, 1875 – 1900. Aquamarine, referred to as the ‘Stars and Stripes’, or ‘Stars and Bars’ pattern, the ball is covered with tiny embossed stars or dimples, and the sides having horizontal strips or bars, 3-piece mold, rough sheared mouth, dia. 2 5/8”, perfect! Typically found in shades of amber, the aquamarine examples are much more rare, and extremely difficult to acquire. An exceptional ball in perfect condition. – The Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera, An Absentee Auction in Six Parts – 2017-2019 – John Pastor and American Glass Gallery

Support Images: Auction Lot 153: Embossed Stars And Stripes Pattern Target Ball, three-piece mold construction, America, 1875-1900. Spherical with embossed stars on the front, back, and base and stripes on sides, light olive-yellow with a gingerale tone, rough sheared mouth, dia. 2 5/8 inches; (light washable exterior “attic grime”). Also known as the “Stars And Bars” ball. Wonderful lighter color and unusual mold design. Fine condition. Cindy Gaffney collection. – Norman Heckler, Norman C. Heckler & Company, Auction #159

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

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