Up for auction is a magnificent piece of traditional British sporting heritage—an authentic antique Victorian-era Lignum Vitae lawn bowl, paired with a gorgeous vintage Slazenger rich brown leather carrying satchel.
The bowl is beautifully turned from ultra-dense, heavy-gauge Lignum Vitae hardwood, showing a rich, dark espresso grain pattern. It features circular concentric bias rings and is inlaid on both sides with heavily patinated, authentic engraved metal central discs. One disc carries a stunningly crisp gothic hand-engraving of the original player's initials "GFP", while the reverse displays a shield motif framing the official size "5".
The bowl comes beautifully presented inside a vintage chestnut-brown leather bowling bag from the legendary British sporting marque Slazenger. Featuring the original gold embroidered label reading "Slazenger - Made in England" under the lid, this thick leather bag is styled with heavy twin roller-buckle straps and a sturdy stitched top handle.
A spectacular decorative accent for an office, country house library, traditional pub fit-out, or an exquisite addition to a classic sports memorabilia collection.
Features: • Wood Composition: 100% Genuine, Heavy-Gauge Lignum Vitae Hardwood • Case Brand: Slazenger (Woven Inside Flap Label - Made in England) • Accent Discs: Inlaid Stamped & Engraved Metallic Central Plates • Marks & Sizing: Deeply engraved gothic "GFP" initials & Size 5 bias crest • Hardware: Dual steel roller-buckled leather straps
Approximate Measurements: • Bowl Diameter: Standard Size 5 (Approx. 12-13 cm / 5 inches across) • Leather Bag Length: Approx. 35–38 cm
Condition Report: Good antique pre-owned condition with incredible rustic character and an untouched patina of age. The Lignum Vitae wood is solid, incredibly heavy, and robust, showing a wonderful deep grain with honest surface scuffs, light shrinkage lines, and shallow battle-scars from real historical use. The inlaid metal inserts are firmly intact, showing extensive antique surface micro-scratching, tarnish, and weathering consistent with a true Victorian age profile.
The Slazenger leather case is structurally completely sound with strong stitching; the leather remains remarkably supple with standard vintage surface scuffs, darkening spots, and cosmetic wear as shown. The buckle straps are robust and functional.
Satchel does have marks where possibly a name was scrubbed over.
Please study the photos closely to satisfy yourself with its stunning antique patina.
Shipping & Location: Item is located in the UK. This heavy, delicate historic artifact set will be securely cocooned in thick layers of heavy-duty bubble wrap, boxed safely, and sent via trackable, insured UK mainland shipping (Royal Mail Medium Parcel due to the significant weight of the timber). International shipping is fully supported through global tracking programs.
COMBINED POSTAGE DISCOUNT: I am listing a curated collection of unique vintage items, custom collectables, and premium clothing layers this week (including multiple vintage Levi's, Wrangler, and premium casual designer outerwear pieces). If you win multiple auctions, I am more than happy to combine shipping into one package to save you money on postage costs. Please wait for an invoice before paying if you buy multiple items!