Parkesine snooker ball

Side view of a ball showing the well used surface. Side view of a ball showing the well used surface. Side view of a ball showing the well used surface.
Side view of a ball showing the well used surface. Side view of a ball showing the well used surface. Side view of a ball showing the well used surface.

Classification

Description

An 1860s snooker ball made of compression moulded Parkesine (cellulose nitrate). Parkesine is the trademark for the first man-made plastic, which was invented by Alexander Parkes in 1862. This item forms part of the Plastics Historical Society (PHS) collection.
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Person)
Unknown
Manufacturer
Parkesine

Object number

PHSL : PAR 119

Date

1866 - 1868

Country

UK

Method

compression moulded

Material

plastic
Parkesine - trade name
celluloid - generic term
CN
cellulose nitrate
Dimensions
Diameter
50mm

Colour

cream