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04 Nov 18
18:19
Joined:
Date Joined:
14 Sep 04
Good evening, everyone.
Here's my dilemma, perhaps a challenge worthy of the esteemed Chit Chat Detective Agency?
I would dearly love to add the beautiful pool ball set pictured below to my extensive collection. They were made by a firm called The Hyatt Albany Billiard Ball Company of New York in mid 1970s. My search thus far has, alas, proved unsuccessful. I am therefore offering a £100 reward to any heroic treasure hunter who can put me in touch with a seller of a mint, unused example if it leads to a sale.
Although undoubtedly rare this is not a lost cause, ladies and gentlemen. A few sets do still exist out there. My advice to anybody prepared to try for my £100 prize, however, is to steer clear of American pool and billiard forums. I've already spoken to all the existing owners who frequent those boards and none are ready to sell just yet.
Most private billiard ball trades between collectors are conducted on social media giants like Facebook these days. Not being a member on any of these sites, there's surely a great opportunity for somebody who knows their way around such platforms.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read about my quest. And good luck!
Here's my dilemma, perhaps a challenge worthy of the esteemed Chit Chat Detective Agency?
I would dearly love to add the beautiful pool ball set pictured below to my extensive collection. They were made by a firm called The Hyatt Albany Billiard Ball Company of New York in mid 1970s. My search thus far has, alas, proved unsuccessful. I am therefore offering a £100 reward to any heroic treasure hunter who can put me in touch with a seller of a mint, unused example if it leads to a sale.
Although undoubtedly rare this is not a lost cause, ladies and gentlemen. A few sets do still exist out there. My advice to anybody prepared to try for my £100 prize, however, is to steer clear of American pool and billiard forums. I've already spoken to all the existing owners who frequent those boards and none are ready to sell just yet.
Most private billiard ball trades between collectors are conducted on social media giants like Facebook these days. Not being a member on any of these sites, there's surely a great opportunity for somebody who knows their way around such platforms.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read about my quest. And good luck!
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PK - I'm assuming you've tried ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Hyatt+Albany+billiard+balls&_sacat=0
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Hyatt+Albany+billiard+balls&_sacat=0
I have indeed, sir. I check nearly every day.
Many thanks for the links. All those sets listed are from The Hyatt Albany Billiard Ball Company, but they're not the ones I'm after unfortunately.
Best wishes.
Many thanks for the links. All those sets listed are from The Hyatt Albany Billiard Ball Company, but they're not the ones I'm after unfortunately.
Best wishes.
They’re in my loft. Shake hands for a monkey and they’re yours.
Post up some pictures, JM, and we'll see if a deal can be struck. :)
I must sign off now, gentlemen, but will check back later. Believe me, I'd love to pay out the £100.
Best wishes.
I must sign off now, gentlemen, but will check back later. Believe me, I'd love to pay out the £100.
Best wishes.
Oh, I should clarify, the £100 is just a finder's fee reward. Whatever I have to pay for the balls themselves is totally separate.
Cheers for now. :)
Cheers for now. :)
i go to loads of car boots and will keep an eye out for these poker !
Thank you very much indeed, sir.
I fear it is extremely unlikely that a set will be found anywhere in the UK as these were only manufactured in relatively small numbers for the American market. Without doubt the best chance of success would be to post up the image on as many suitable social media site pages as possible, particularly those viewed by folks in the north eastern states of USA.
If any kind souls on here have the necessary skills or contacts to advertise my search on Facebook or Twitter etc, nothing would make me happier than to pay out the £100 finder's fee reward if a set finds its way into my collection.
Best wishes.
I fear it is extremely unlikely that a set will be found anywhere in the UK as these were only manufactured in relatively small numbers for the American market. Without doubt the best chance of success would be to post up the image on as many suitable social media site pages as possible, particularly those viewed by folks in the north eastern states of USA.
If any kind souls on here have the necessary skills or contacts to advertise my search on Facebook or Twitter etc, nothing would make me happier than to pay out the £100 finder's fee reward if a set finds its way into my collection.
Best wishes.
How much do you expect to pay for them?
GL in your search ntw.
GL in your search ntw.
Obviously I'd love to snag a bargain if possible, Mr A, but these balls are probably valued at about $250 to $300. My finder's fee reward of £100 is therefore relatively generous, but I'd gladly pay it to get my hands on a set.
Yes, sir, that was me. Well remembered! I've upped my reward since then. :)
Very impressive memory there, Mr G. It was a while ago and unless you're into pool ball collecting it's admirable that you remembered the set.
Bravo, sir!
Bravo, sir!
There you go, 125 dollars
https://us.letgo.com/en/i/roman-numeral-billiard-ball-set_43c115c7-1f85-4cf7-a3f3-6322acec8c19
you may find them here too: https://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=420402
https://us.letgo.com/en/i/roman-numeral-billiard-ball-set_43c115c7-1f85-4cf7-a3f3-6322acec8c19
you may find them here too: https://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=420402
I actually created similar threads on one or two billiard forums in the US (plus the 2+2 poker forum), but I really need somebody with experience of targeting the behemoths that are Facebook and Twitter. That is where most of the trades are now conducted.
did u ever get the K of diamonds ball? I dont remember if u did or not
Hello, TMM. :)
Many thanks indeed for your efforts, sir. Alas, that listing is very old and the balls were sold long ago. They're also not quite the desired set (I already have them) although very similar. I actually know the gentlemen who sold them, A Mr Ryan Shane from New York.
Many thanks indeed for your efforts, sir. Alas, that listing is very old and the balls were sold long ago. They're also not quite the desired set (I already have them) although very similar. I actually know the gentlemen who sold them, A Mr Ryan Shane from New York.
Yes and no, Mr G. Somebody contacted me with a complete set in mint condition and we struck a deal. :)
a little off topic but do you follow the 9 ball? will USA finally put up a fight in the mosconi cup this year 
I do enjoy watching it
I do enjoy watching it
This is the set from TMM's link, by the way. Manufactured by the same company and also very desirable, certainly worth a lot more than the $125 requested. I'd be a buyer at anything sub $250 for these, too, in perfect condition, but it's the set of my OP that I'm really seeking.
My money is always on Europe, Mr G. Not only do they have the better players, the American team tactics tends to be questionable in my view.
Also, their selection process does them no favours at all.
Also, their selection process does them no favours at all.
I'm off to bed, gentlemen. Thank you for your company this evening. I'll bump this thread to the top every once in a while in the hope somebody can help me out. And claim the £100 of course!
Good night. :)
Good night. :)
Good luck with your search Pokermonster - an interesting thread to read
collectors will be cueing up for these , hope the op gets a break and finds what he is looking for ! he will be in a good frame of mind if he does ! good luck with your search poker
personaly i would baulk at paying that price but each to his own !
Another internet suggestion is Reddit
Have you tried r/pool or r/billiards?
Have you tried r/pool or r/billiards?
e.g.
Does anyone know where the best place to sell high-quality-antique billiard balls would be? eBay? Other sites? (self.billiards)
submitted 11 months ago by wobegone1
I’m selling some antique billiard balls for my local billiard store. The owner is not very computer savvy, so he has asked me to help. Before I commit, I’d like to know if anyone knows where I could sell them? He also has an original The Hustler movie poster staring Paul Newman. If anyone has any advice on where to sell that, I would be obliged.
---------------
You certainly could try ebay, but if I were you I would list them on Facebook open billiards market and probably AZBilliards.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/billiardsmarket/
http://forums.azbilliards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5
Does anyone know where the best place to sell high-quality-antique billiard balls would be? eBay? Other sites? (self.billiards)
submitted 11 months ago by wobegone1
I’m selling some antique billiard balls for my local billiard store. The owner is not very computer savvy, so he has asked me to help. Before I commit, I’d like to know if anyone knows where I could sell them? He also has an original The Hustler movie poster staring Paul Newman. If anyone has any advice on where to sell that, I would be obliged.
---------------
You certainly could try ebay, but if I were you I would list them on Facebook open billiards market and probably AZBilliards.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/billiardsmarket/
http://forums.azbilliards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5
Good afternoon, Poppydog. :)
Thank you very much indeed for the advice and suggestions, sir. It's all very mych appreciated.
I'm a well known face on AZB, so that avenue has been explored already. There are one or two owners of this particular set as members but they're ready to sell just yet.
Regarding Facebook: As mentioned, I am a complete novice on these types of social media platform. I did sign up recently with the specific intent of advertising my search on the same 'Billiards Market' pages you linked, dear chap. Alas, it is a 'closed group' and despite many attempts to join it will not accept me as a new member. I suspect one has to have a few months of Facebook under your belt before the moderators will welcome any newcomers to their party?
That Reddit link sounds very intriguing. I'll definitely be having a look at that, sir. Thank you very much indeed. Just to reiterate, if anyone fancies s pop at finding this set of pool balls on my behalf (pasting the image on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit etc) I'd be very grateful indeed. And if it leads to a sale I'll be very happy to pay the £100 finder's fee as promised.
Best wishes, everyone. :)
Thank you very much indeed for the advice and suggestions, sir. It's all very mych appreciated.
I'm a well known face on AZB, so that avenue has been explored already. There are one or two owners of this particular set as members but they're ready to sell just yet.
Regarding Facebook: As mentioned, I am a complete novice on these types of social media platform. I did sign up recently with the specific intent of advertising my search on the same 'Billiards Market' pages you linked, dear chap. Alas, it is a 'closed group' and despite many attempts to join it will not accept me as a new member. I suspect one has to have a few months of Facebook under your belt before the moderators will welcome any newcomers to their party?
That Reddit link sounds very intriguing. I'll definitely be having a look at that, sir. Thank you very much indeed. Just to reiterate, if anyone fancies s pop at finding this set of pool balls on my behalf (pasting the image on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit etc) I'd be very grateful indeed. And if it leads to a sale I'll be very happy to pay the £100 finder's fee as promised.
Best wishes, everyone. :)
Apologies. "They're NOT ready to sell just yet" that should have read.
Poker, this is a " long shot " but you could try registering at ...
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb
.. which covers 100s of auction houses worldwide, you could easily enter an Alert for say .. " hyatt albany billiard
balls " .. thats it done ! if any come up for sale you will get an email alerting you. Good Luck.
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb
.. which covers 100s of auction houses worldwide, you could easily enter an Alert for say .. " hyatt albany billiard
balls " .. thats it done ! if any come up for sale you will get an email alerting you. Good Luck.
Typical Reddit thread, Pokermonster
https://www.reddit.com/r/billiards/comments/9u04ti/what_is_the_thing_that_drives_you_crazy_during/
https://www.reddit.com/r/billiards/comments/9u04ti/what_is_the_thing_that_drives_you_crazy_during/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hyatt-Romanique-Vintage-Roman-Numeral-Balls-Pool-Billiards-Ball-Complete-Set/253955932673?ha****m3b20f40201:g:5zsAAOSwab1b12oZ:rk:3:pf:1&frcectupt=true
not quite the same
not quite the same
Good evening, Case. :)
Those Romanique IIs do crop up quite often, sir. Usually well worn and sporting an inflated price tag for which they never sell. There are only a few collectors like myself who pay top dollar for desirable sets but, it's true, we're quite a demanding bunch when it comes to condition.
Here's keeping my fingers crossed. :)
Those Romanique IIs do crop up quite often, sir. Usually well worn and sporting an inflated price tag for which they never sell. There are only a few collectors like myself who pay top dollar for desirable sets but, it's true, we're quite a demanding bunch when it comes to condition.
Here's keeping my fingers crossed. :)
It was interesting to see so many wonderful sets of pool balls that are available. The NFL ones (for every team) are very smart indeed. Being a collector must prove a very expensive hobby. One can even buy a table to match the balls. I would buy the Jets set and table.
https://www.tribilliards.com/new-york-jets-pool-table.html
https://www.tribilliards.com/new-york-jets-pool-table.html
It can indeed be a very expensive hobby, sir.
However, as in many endeavours, with experience comes knowledge and a certain savvy. I recently purchased twenty sets of rare pool balls from a warehouse clearance in Mainz, Germany at a total cost of £400. I later sold sixteen of them for $475 each in America.
However, as in many endeavours, with experience comes knowledge and a certain savvy. I recently purchased twenty sets of rare pool balls from a warehouse clearance in Mainz, Germany at a total cost of £400. I later sold sixteen of them for $475 each in America.
That was a nice piece of business pm. Very well done.
Many thanks, sir. It sure was an exciting find. :)
Here's an example of one of those twenty sets, TMM.
I composed this little write up some time before my serendipitous discovery to post on an American forum. When a friend and I advertised the balls for sale at $475 per set we sold out within a week or so. Perhaps I could have asked for even more, but everyone was extremely happy with the deal (myself included) so no regrets.
I composed this little write up some time before my serendipitous discovery to post on an American forum. When a friend and I advertised the balls for sale at $475 per set we sold out within a week or so. Perhaps I could have asked for even more, but everyone was extremely happy with the deal (myself included) so no regrets.
Just bumping to the top with a picture of the pool ball set I'm hoping to find.
Thank you, Mr T. :)
What they sell for and what is sometimes asked on eBay are often miles apart, sir. I have seen them sell for as little as $25, but anything around $250 to $300 would be reasonable.
What they sell for and what is sometimes asked on eBay are often miles apart, sir. I have seen them sell for as little as $25, but anything around $250 to $300 would be reasonable.
A friend recently paid $1,500 for a set of vintage clay pool balls. Direct Site Hexagonals from Albany.
A rather beautiful montage of my friend's collection.
A weekly bump. Seeking a set of these pool balls in mint, unused condition. £100 reward for information leading to a sale.
And again for any newcomers. Never give up hope. :)
Another bump for 2019. Can anyone claim my £100 reward?
On a related subject: I was recently fortunate enough to purchase three sets of billiard balls for €850, two of which are incredibly rare and probably worth about €1,000 each. Perhaps more.
On a related subject: I was recently fortunate enough to purchase three sets of billiard balls for €850, two of which are incredibly rare and probably worth about €1,000 each. Perhaps more.
Poker, I very much hope you find your balls, but it seems very much a needle in a haystack job ,doesn't it.HAPPY NEW YEAR , Pokermonster
Fantastic looking montage of your mate's collection
Many thanks for your good wishes, gentlemen, very much appreciated. :)
It is indeed a long shot, Mr C, but a few sets of those balls are out there somewhere. I'm hoping some kind folks who are active on social media sites like Facebook might spead the word for me.
Hello, Mr A. :)
Regrettably, my entire collection of rare and beautiful pool balls currently resides in packing crates up in the attic. I would dearly love to display them all in bespoke mahogany cabinets, softly lighted along panelled walls of the elegantly appointed billiard room within my Georgian mansion in the country. Perhaps a tasteful portrait or two of players from a bygone era?
One can always dream. :)
Regrettably, my entire collection of rare and beautiful pool balls currently resides in packing crates up in the attic. I would dearly love to display them all in bespoke mahogany cabinets, softly lighted along panelled walls of the elegantly appointed billiard room within my Georgian mansion in the country. Perhaps a tasteful portrait or two of players from a bygone era?
One can always dream. :)
I've just noticed the number of views to this thread... one and a half thousand! That's very encouraging. :)
i would love to help Mr P. I know how frustrating it is to try & find something rare. I came upon a forum selling some similar item; and wondered if it was known to you?
https://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=428430
https://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=428430
Good evening, Mr B. :)
Many thanks for trying to help, sir, it's sincerely appreciated.
I am very familiar with the AZB forum, dear chap. I started a thread over there about pool ball collecting which is almost up to 1,000 posts (and 135,000 views).
Many thanks for trying to help, sir, it's sincerely appreciated.
I am very familiar with the AZB forum, dear chap. I started a thread over there about pool ball collecting which is almost up to 1,000 posts (and 135,000 views).
Not at all, sir. I genuinely appreciate any help. I only need to get lucky once. :)
This is the set from Mr B's link, by the way. Manufactured by the same company (Hyatt Albany) and also very desirable. I'd be a buyer at anything sub $300 for these, too, in perfect condition, but it's the set underneath that I'm really seeking.
Good evening. :)
I hope a few might be interested to see two of my recent purchases: Raschig One Pocket and Raschig Four Player. Both sets are exceptionally rare and desirable (to some anyway).
It makes me chuckle that certain folks (probably fewer than five in the world) would gladly pay four figures for either example without blinking, whilst everyone else thinks they're worth about twenty quid. :)
I hope a few might be interested to see two of my recent purchases: Raschig One Pocket and Raschig Four Player. Both sets are exceptionally rare and desirable (to some anyway).
It makes me chuckle that certain folks (probably fewer than five in the world) would gladly pay four figures for either example without blinking, whilst everyone else thinks they're worth about twenty quid. :)
have to admit though i do like the roman numeral sets
No word of a lie, Mr T. :)
Collectors like me can go a bit crazy at times, especially where the really rare sets are concerned.
Collectors like me can go a bit crazy at times, especially where the really rare sets are concerned.
The highest asking price for a set of pool balls I have ever seen is $4,500. The highest sale price achieved to my knowledge was $2,000.
I don't include ivory sets in any of these figures. I abhor any sort of ivory trading and report it to the relevant authorities whenever possible. Ebay are often complicit in aiding criminality in my view and are absolutely useless at removing illegal listings.
I don't include ivory sets in any of these figures. I abhor any sort of ivory trading and report it to the relevant authorities whenever possible. Ebay are often complicit in aiding criminality in my view and are absolutely useless at removing illegal listings.
Are you planning on selling them? And for what price?
That's a good point Pokermonster, about the pricing when it comes to collecting stuff. What's precious to some is next to worthless to others. I used to collect soundtrack albums and once picked up a second-hand copy of Kelly's Heroes for £1. Bargain for a collector! Not long after, I saw the same album in Beanos, in pretty much the same condition, priced up for a sale £100! It's a funny ol' game.
Do you collect both English and American pool balls, or just English? Myself and a work colleague used to play regularly on the American tables about 10 years or so ago, but stopped when work took us different ways. When I went back to a club recently, the balls on the new tables were a lot heavier and it made the game totally different! Also the club cues seem to be much worse standard than the old days (like they're covered in 3 layers of dulux paint! And the tips are not as good either - why do standards always seem to go down in all walks of life! Maybe it's just my memory, lol).
Do you collect both English and American pool balls, or just English? Myself and a work colleague used to play regularly on the American tables about 10 years or so ago, but stopped when work took us different ways. When I went back to a club recently, the balls on the new tables were a lot heavier and it made the game totally different! Also the club cues seem to be much worse standard than the old days (like they're covered in 3 layers of dulux paint! And the tips are not as good either - why do standards always seem to go down in all walks of life! Maybe it's just my memory, lol).
Good evening, Mr H. Apologies for only just noticing your reply, dear chap.
Yes, sir, I do indeed collect both American and English pool balls. I’m still seeking a mint condition set of the Romans pictured below, ladies and gentlemen, and will gladly pay a £100 finders fee on top of whatever purchase price is agreed upon.
Yes, sir, I do indeed collect both American and English pool balls. I’m still seeking a mint condition set of the Romans pictured below, ladies and gentlemen, and will gladly pay a £100 finders fee on top of whatever purchase price is agreed upon.
I always think of you, Pokermonster, when I see pool balls in the local charity/antique shops. Alas, they were only bog standard ones.
Goodnight
Goodnight
Thank you, Annie. :)
Charity and antique shops can literally prove a treasure trove. Here’s a perfect example:
Charity and antique shops can literally prove a treasure trove. Here’s a perfect example:
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