Invented in the 1860s, the glass target ball was a popular aerial gunnery target, being light enough for easy launching and coming apart quite impressively when struck. Though displaced for general use by the invention of the clay pigeon, the glass ball held a niche with exhibition shooters, sometimes being loaded with feathers or similar filler to make the breaks even more eye catching. While produced in quantity, as a consumable asset literally made to be broken, few have made it to the present day in one piece. Offered here are three examples of this very attractive target: blue and marked "WW GREENER ST MARYS WORKS BIRMm & 68 HAYMARKET LONDON," amber and marked "IRA PAINE'S FILLED BALL PAT OCT 23 1877," and amber and marked "BOGARDUS' GLASS BALL PAT'D APR 10 1877."

Excellent with minor wear. No antique sporting collection can be considered complete without a few glass target balls.