Vintage Herbert Terry bowls measure. It all works, great gift. This lovely tactile bowls measure was made by the British company Herbert Terry ( famous for the anglepoise lamp)
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5 cm square 2 cm tall
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Indoor bowls history began in the late 19th century as lawn bowls players sought a way to continue playing during winter months. W.G. Grace is credited with bringing the game indoors at the Crystal Palace in 1888, but the first formal indoor club was established in Edinburgh in 1905. The sport grew in the 20th century with the creation of governing bodies like the English Indoor Bowling Association (1933) and the World Indoor Bowls Championships (1979), which propelled the game to global popularity.
Key Developments
1888: W.G. Grace sets up a carpet at the Crystal Palace to demonstrate indoor bowls.
1905: The Edinburgh Winter Bowling Association forms, marking the first dedicated indoor club.
1933: The English Indoor Bowling Association (E.I.B.A.) is formed.
1936: The first men's international series is held in Paddington, England.
1948: The first indoor bowls club in Bristol is established.
1952: The first ladies' international series is organized by the British Isles Women's Indoor Bowls Council.
1979: The first World Indoor Bowls Championships are held in Coatbridge, Scotland.
1988: Women are allowed to compete in the World Indoor Bowls Championships.
1997: The Professional Bowls Association (PBA) creates the World Bowls Tour.
Evolution of the Sport
From Outdoors to Indoors:
The origin of indoor bowls lies in the desire to play lawn bowls during the colder months, leading to the use of carpets and purpose-built indoor greens.
Growth of Organizations:
The sport's growth led to the formation of national associations and international bodies.
Modernization:
The creation of the World Bowls Tour in the 1990s helped promote the sport worldwide, leading to greater professionalization and televised championships.
 
Terry's Bowls Measures were crafted by the British company Herbert Terry & Sons Ltd. of Redditch, and they were popular in the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s, for their use in lawn bowls. These vintage tools, often housed in a leather pouch or original cardboard box, are known for their durability and classic British design, featuring a retractable measuring tape to determine the distance between a bowl and the jack.
History and Features
Manufacturer: Herbert Terry & Sons Ltd., a company also famous for the Anglepoise lamp.
Origin: Made in England, with some models stamped "Pat. Appld for".
Era: Most commonly found from the mid-1900s, specifically the 1950s and 1960s.
Purpose: Designed for accurate measurements in lawn bowls, helping to judge distances from the bowl to the jack.
Design:
Features a retractable metal measuring tape within a painted steel or leather casing.
Some models include a small ground spike or calipers for a more precise measurement.
Packaging: Often sold with an original cardboard sleeve or box, and some include a leather pouch.
Collecting and Significance
Collectible Item:
Terry's bowls measures are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their vintage charm and classic British craftsmanship.
Heritage:
The tools represent a piece of sporting history and vintage British design.
 
 
 
Vintage Terry's bowl measure. Herbert Terry & Sons Ltd. - eBay UK
good used condition Crafted with precision by Herbert Terry & Sons Ltd., this vintage Terry's bowl measure is a testament to classic British craftsmanship.