Thursday, January 13, 2011

Mystery Object

Thanks for all your comments about Ben's granny's funeral - it went very well, and remembering a long life, well lived, is a positive thing to do. It was also great to see the closer and more extended family. But it's back down to earth with a bump today - SCHOOL! Shock, horror. As you have proved yourselves capable in small things (correctly identifying that the featured cake contained the Alpine flower fève, below), I now need to entrust you with larger matters: what on earth is this little thing that Son 2 dug our of our 'lawn' a few minutes before leaving for the airport on Monday?
'I've found a marble made of real marble, dad!' came the call as we rushed round shutting shutters, evicting the cat, checking that we'd evicted the cat, returning for counterpart driving licences, checking that the cat was still out, etc. With impressive patience, Ben took the time to look at the find and suggested that it was made of clay, not marble.
The find travelled on the plane with us (it did not set off security checks) and came home, where it is now sitting next to the computer. But what is it for?
Why would someone fire a slightly irregular ball of clay, around 3cm/1 inch across? Does it have a practical use in French tradition, or was someone making an over-large marble to play with? Any suggestions, wise or otherwise, are most appreciated!
j
Love
j
Floss

15 comments:

Andi's English Attic said...

Is it too big to be a musket ball? Otherwise perhaps the central ball to a marble game? I'm intrigued. xx

JuanitaTortilla said...

I do suspect it was used to play with; to toss or to be hit.

French Nanny said...

Could it be from the neck of one of those clip-top bottles of lemonade?

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

I'd say a ball but i have no idea what game it would be for.

Marigold Jam said...

I thought perhaps a pop alley ie a marble which fitted into a bottle and kept the air out or might it be from some sort of skittles game perhaps? Do let us know if you find out.

J

Elizabethd said...

Aucune idee!

Anonymous said...

No idea, but very interested in finding out lol!

Shirl x

Jane and Chris said...

I thought a clay shot for shooting clay pigeons (he he he !).
Jane x
PS No real idea.

Heidi said...

That is odd...I also thought of it being something for shooting, thats what my big boy thought!

Sherri B. said...

My guess would also be a bottle stopper of some sort. Years ago I had a glass carafe with a cork ball as a stopper. Please do let us know when you find out for sure.

Sherri B. said...

My Mr. B. has a guess. He thinks that it could be a musket ball as they didn't always use lead.

Lorrie said...

Could it have been used for darning? Or as a ball for playing boules?

Lola Nova said...

What a fascinating piece! I love roundy things and would be very excited to find such a mystery.
What a wonderful treasure.

VintageVicki said...

My first thought was for boules - the little ball you have to get nearest too?? Local museum might be able to help.

sharie said...

I have no idea but it makes a great conversation piece. Local historians or even an elderly person might be able to help id it.