Introduced in the 1890s, the Home Press was a simple design that allowed individual golfers to make and/or remould their own mesh-pattern gutta percha golf balls. These devices met with some success in the marketplace - their ads boasted "thousands sold." They remained available until the early 1900s, after which gutta percha golf balls were left behind in favor of rubber-core balls.
This example is in working condition. The gutty ball shown is included with this lot. It appears to have traveled with this mold for a long time. All three pieces of the press fit together without any issues. The auctioneer doesn't see many of these. A unique antiquity that is more than fun. Own one of these and have a (new) ball!