Gutta percha golf balls started revolutionizing the game of golf in the late 1840s, as they were dramatically cheaper to produce (and, therefore, sell) than feather balls. These early gutties were smooth, until golfers realized that knicked gutties would actually fly better than a smooth ball. In the late 1850s or early 60s, ball makers began using a knife or hammer/chisel to create indentations in their golf balls. Then in 1871, Willie Dunn invented a golf ball press to eliminate the need for the timely hand-hammering of each golf ball produced.

Offered here is a rare hand-hammered gutta percha golf ball from the period between approximately 1860 and 1871. Even better, this is a rare red golf ball, which was produced to be used during winter time for easier visibility. This ball is in excellent condition with a large portion of the original red paint.