Set of 3 Antique 19th Century Carpet Balls - one Black and white stripped with the words "For a Dear Girl" on the front and 2 in Flow Blue/White PatternsThe game was considered an indoor Victorian ball game played on carpet, hence its name. Antique carpet balls were kept near the front door in Scottish mansions in the 19th Century, according to Paul Baumann author of "Collecting Antique Marbles." One box would have been outfitted for the outdoor game of croquet and the other for the indoor game Carpet Ball. The balls themselves are made of stoneware or ceramic mostly decorated in a handsome plaid or a starry ringed dabbed pattern. There is a variety of colors used for a set of patterned balls plus the added cue ball is usually white or self-colored. They can range in size from 2.5 to 3.5 inches. The speculation is that children used the smaller balls.Many of the balls were made in England's Staffordshire region along with so many other fine ceramics. Even so it has been documented that 1796 was the founding date of Thomas Taylor Bowls Ltd. of Glasgow, Scotland where many of the balls were first made.

great shape for the age and very presentable, though some dings are present and consistent with use in playing the game for which they were intended