• Width:
  15 1/4 Inches
• Height:
  6 Inches
• Depth:
  12 1/4 Inches
• Origin:
  America

This fantastic, one-of-a-kind boxed set of lawn bowling balls was presented to President Herbert Hoover in 1931 by the American Lawn Bowling Association. Crafted by J. Jaques & Sons of London, these finely decorated balls are made of rare lignum vitae wood, known for its durability and weight. Two silver plaques are affixed to each of the balls. The top plaques are identically inscribed, "Presented to Herbert Hoover by the American Lawn Bowling Association 1931", while the plaques on the bottom of each ball display the initials "H.H." and the numerals "1, 2, 3 and 4," respectively. Each ball also features the Jaques stamp etched on the bottom. Still in mint condition, the balls are housed in their original multi-labeled paper box. This box fits neatly into the original leather carrying case, itself lined with green felt and bearing "Herbert Hoover" embossed on the cover. Four small wooden pedestals are also included for displaying the set. Not only does this set represent the very finest in games manufacturing, but is also a fine memento from a fascinating presidency. Excellent condition.

Balls: 4 1/4" to 5" diameter

Case: 15 1/4" wide x 121/4" deep x 6" high

Marked London, 1931

Herbert Hoover served as United States President from 1929 to 1933. Although he was more widely known as a mining engineer and effective administrator, one of his favorite leisurely activities was lawn bowling, a pastime which he enjoyed several times a week. This was not lost on the American Lawn Bowling Association who presented him with this unique set of balls while he was serving as President in 1931.

J. Jaques & Sons is today the oldest games and sports manufacturer in the world. Founded in 1795 by Thomas Jaques, the company began as a manufacturer of ivory, hardwood, bone, and Tunbridgeware. Jaques' sons and grandsons soon became a part of the business and in 1839, the company manufactured its first game, a chess set which became known as the Staunton chess men after Mr. Howard Staunton, one of the famous exponents of the English school of chess. The company soon began to produce a number of popular indoor games such as Happy Families, Tiddley-Winks, Ludo, Snakes and Ladders and developed a very large demand for dominoes, draughts and backgammon. By the late 19th century, the company's focus began to shift into the production of sports equipment for cricket, tennis, football, hockey, badminton and archery, and it should be known that Jaques was the one of the first, and possibly the original proponent of the game which came to be known as Ping-Pong. During World War II, the company ensured its survival, and helped the war effort, by designing escape kits for Allies caught behind enemy lines which were disguised as or hidden within innocent-looking games.