Antique Pair 19th Century Nail Studded Boules Balls ‘Pétanque à Clous’

Code: 11003

Dimensions:

A Good Pair of Antique 19th Century Hobnail Studded Wooden Balls
'Pétanque à Clous' for the game 'Jeu provençal' or 'Boules Lyonnaises'
With copper buttons stamped 'CD'
Iron Studded Hardwood
French, Circa 1890's

Measure:-
9.5 cm diameter 

A good antique pair of large-size nail-studded pétanque balls (pétanque à clous) for the game 'Jeu provençal' or 'Boules Lyonnaises',  dating to the late 19th Century.  The game 'Jeu provençal' is the earlier version of modern 'Pétanque' which was codified in 1907/1910

The wooden core studded with iron hobnails, each with a copper button stamped with the original owner's initials 'CD', to help them identify their balls in play. Large, heavy and distinctive pieces, filled with character. 

Condition:-
The pair in very good, characterful condition. The iron rusted, the copper buttons oxidised to green.