Lot 3004

Three Scarce and Attractive 19th Century Glass Target Balls

Previous image preload Next image preload

Three Scarce and Attractive 19th Century Glass Target Balls

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,750

Starting Bid: $1,300

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Three Scarce and Attractive 19th Century Glass Target Balls Invented in the early to mid-1800s, the glass target ball was a popular aerial gunnery target, being light enough for easy launching and coming apart quite impressively when struck. Though displaced for general use by the invention of the clay pigeon, the glass ball held a niche with exhibition shooters, sometimes being loaded with feathers or similar filler to make the breaks even more eye catching. While produced in quantity, as a consumable asset literally made to be broken, few have made it to the present day in one piece. Offered here are three examples of this very attractive target, two in blue and one in a desirable orange-yellow. The darker of the two blue examples is marked for the Van Cutsem glass works of St. Quentin, France. The other two examples do not have maker's marks, with the blue one having an attractive latticed structure.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Condition: All three are excellent with attractive color, minimal wear, and some typical original light glass maker's chipping near the openings. These are scarce and desirable pieces which would be an attractive addition to a gun room or antique shotgun collection!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000