Vintage Golf Balls

[SDarmoryID]

I'm looking for some information on these golf balls.  I picked them up at a local thrift store for a couple of dollars because they perked my interest.  Does anyone know anything about them or know where I could find some information?

[RayG]

Neat case, that in itself could be worth the couple of bucks. The balls? Looks like a Fishing company trying to get on the Golf Bandwagon back in the day. Shakespeare is, or has been, a high quality fishing rod and tackle company for a long time. Like I said, they were probably trying to "cast their net" a bit wider to get into the game for a new revenue stream. Just checked Wikipedia... Nothing. And THAT means it's really hard to find any info. But Google did have some info- Both Gary Player and Don January were 'Shakespeare Ball" guys. I did find this entry- https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/22801438_gary-player-shakespeare-signature-golf-balls-in-box And it looks like yours are in better condition, but not "endorsed" models, so....

[SDarmoryID]

Thank you for the response! I found a few of those Gary Player endorsed balls on Ebay, but none like mine. Weird that I can't find anything! I sent an email to a vintage golf collector, so we'll see what he is able to tell me. But hey even if they aren't worth anything great at least my balls will be quite unique and I got a nice padded ball bag!

[scorpion12]

Try searching on bing for "wonder center" golf balls. I found 2 sleeves on Etsy for $37, trademark information for Shakespeare registering WonderCenter and 2 sleeves for $9.95 on bonanza.

Oh, and the trademark ran from 1963 to 1984... so anytime during that time frame... check the packaging for a possible date to better isolate when the balls were made.

[Archie Bunker]

Shakespeare got into the golf business back in the 60's. They had the high-tech equipment back then, featuring their black fiberglass "wondershafts" that Gary Player supposedly used. Actually, Player hated these shafts (too much torque twist), and had them replaced with steel shafts painted black to keep the public thinking he was playing the "wondershaft". He may have been hitting a Shakespeare ball back then, too. By the look of the dimple pattern on these, you can really tell they are "old school". Interesting item, but since Shakespeare Golf is long gone, probably not worth all that much.

[SDarmoryID]

Thanks for the info! That's interesting that he didn't like the shafts, I would love to swing one and see what he didn't like! If they were worth anything, where would be the best place to sell them? Who would be the best crowd to try and sell it to?

[RayG]

these would be an EXTREME niche item. Like any "collectible" they are only worth as much as someone is willing to pay. Find the right person and it's good. Find the wrong person and it's worth less than what you paid. I would do a LOT of research and find where and when the place to sell would be. There's always "Shakespeare" themselves, you could contact them and see if they have any interest, only because you have what looks like a pristine package with the original bag and wrapped sleeves, but I doubt it.

[SavvySwede]

these would be an EXTREME niche item. Like any "collectible" they are only worth as much as someone is willing to pay. Find the right person and it's good. Find the wrong person and it's worth less than what you paid.

I would do a LOT of research and find where and when the place to sell would be.

There's always "Shakespeare" themselves, you could contact them and see if they have any interest, only because you have what looks like a pristine package with the original bag and wrapped sleeves, but I doubt it.

I wouldn't suggest investing a lot of time in selling something that in all likelihood isn't worth much. There are a lot more of them listed on ebay than there are being sold.

[SDarmoryID]

Good input! I guess I'll just tuck them away as a good conversation starter. Who knows, maybe someone will even be interested in them in the future!

[RayG]

Who knows? maybe one day you'll run into Gary Player (or Don January) and get him to take a picture with them.

[vangator]

I've played a few Shakespeare golf balls over the years. Nothing to write home about. You can tell by the dimple pattern that they are old.