Aramith Belgian Billiard Set
Decorative Art / Recreational Objects • Saluc S.A. (under the Aramith brand), Callenelle, Belgium.
Style & Movement
Industrial Design / Functional Minimalism
Medium & Technique
Phenolic resin; cast and polished using precision engineering and isothermal curing processes.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Box approximately 10 x 10 inches; individual balls roughly 2.25 inches (57.2 mm) in diameter.
Subject Description
A set of sixteen billiard balls including solids and stripes. The composition features high-contrast primary and secondary colors with numerical indicators housed in a stylized cardboard retail box.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; reflecting active utility with visible surface abrasions and chalk residue.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $120 USD (Pre-owned context)
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Commercial production; likely acquired through a billiards specialty retailer. No individual ownership history recorded.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the gold standard of 20th-century billiard manufacturing; significant for the shift from ivory/celluloid to phenolic resins, ensuring durability and consistent density in the gaming industry.
Notable Features
Includes the iconic '8' ball used as a cultural trope; features the distinctive Aramith Belgian Billiard Balls branding and typeface on the box perimeter.
Condition Issues
Visible surface pitting, chalk dust accumulation, scuff marks, and minor chipping consistent with play wear. Box shows edge wear and structural fatigue.
Conservation Recommendations
Periodic cleaning with specialized phenolic resin cleaner; store in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent resin discoloration; avoid high-impact drops on hard surfaces.