J. B. Dorfelder Ivory Cue Balls
1/4/2026 1:44:06 PM
J. B. Dorfelder Ivory Cue Balls
I was cleaning out my parent's house and came across this set of 3 J. B. Dorfelder billiard balls - three cue balls to be precise.
I am looking for a range of how much they would be worth if I choose to list them for sale.
Are these billiard or snooker balls?
Thank you!
fakJ. B. Dorfelder Ivory Cue Balls
Replies & Comments
billiardsforum on 2/28/2026 2:05:53 PMCool ball set, and the case is in impeccable condition for it's age.
This is vintage German Dörfelder 3-ball carom billiard ball set. Two white balls and one red ball was common in older European carom play before the red/white/yellow became standardized.
It is likely from the late 19th to early 20th century, and are made of ivory.
J. B. Dörfelder, the maker, refers to Johann Baptist Dörfelder, a well-known German billiard ball and billiard table manufacturer. They produced goods in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
These are almost certainly hand-turned ivory carom billiard balls circa 1885 to 1910. That is based on the following:
- The visible Schreger lines (cross-hatch grain pattern)
- The ivory color aging
- The period box
- German labeling "Elfenbein-Billardbälle"
- The original lithographed tin box (which also adds value)
The circular “eye” pattern visible on the white balls is classic ivory tusk cross-section.
Take note that in the US, Ivory is heavily restricted. Because they are "worked ivory" and likely pre-1900, they would be legal to possess (as they're over 100 years old). Interstate sale is usually allowed if it qualifies as an antique under ESA rules. International sale and/or export is heavily restricted. You cannot legally export them without proper documentation. Proof of age may be required for sale through major auction houses.
The set could fetch anywhere between $500 to $1000 USD depending on finding the right buyer and general market conditions.
Standard 3-Ball Carom Set: Historically, these sets in original boxes have sold for $750 to $895 at auction. Your set, having the original case in such good shape, and the fact that they're Dorfelder (e.g. the "Dörfelder" Premium) adds significant provenance. Having the original J.B. Dörfelder label and box adds premium as they were a prestigious German manufacturer known for using high-end materials and modern "steam power" production.
But as always, your mileage may vary.
The side-label reads:
23
Highest Awards.Branch: Munich
6 Findling Street 6
at Sendlinger Tor Square.Own office, warehouse and workshop.
The rear label reads:
J.B. Dörfelder
Billiard, Billiard Ball & Billiard Cue Factory with steam power
Mainz
(Mainz is a German city).
The front label reads:
STOCK of: Billiard balls, cues of every kind, cue-tipping apparatus, cue leathers (tips), leather glue, cue cutters, files, billiard cloth, brushes, horsehair (brushes), skittles, chalk, billiard clocks, pool baskets, billiard lamps.
PUBLICATIONS: Latest Billiard Rules (self-published). "The Teacher of Billiards" (self-published).
FURNISHINGS: Billiard covers in American leatherette and green twill. Newspaper holders (own manufacture). Viennese chairs.
The top label reads:
First-Class Ivory Billiard Balls
Diameter: [blank] mm. Price per piece: [blank] Marks.
Terms: Cash payment without discount via advance remittance or cash on delivery.
Storage Instructions: These must be kept protected from heat and cold, as well as from sharp drafts. Only balls stored in dry conditions will remain durable and crack-free.
Warranty: However, no guarantee is accepted.
Reordering: When reordering individual balls, the exact measurement of the ball diameter in millimeters must be provided, and it must be noted whether the ball is marked with 1 or 2 dots or is red.
J.B. DÖRFELDER, MAINZ
Billiard, Billiard Ball & Billiard Cue Factory
J. B. Dorfelder Ivory Cue Balls
- Title: J. B. Dorfelder Ivory Cue Balls
- Author: fak (Fred Kosanovic)
- Published: 1/4/2026 1:44:06 PM
- Last Updated: 2/28/2026 1:37:35 PM
- Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
