Not all of them have chimes inside. I have a set I bought in Chinatown in
San Francisco that are solid, roughly 1 3/4" in diameter. Came in a silk
covered box. I had to look in a lot of stores to find the solid ones. Most
are chrome plated although many of the hollow ones have cloison (sp)
decorations on the outside. Mine are chrome plated and because they are
solid, much heavier than the hollow ones with chimes. Very relaxing to
exercise the fingers with. A good stress reliever, although sometimes I
feel like Captain Queeg.

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)

I don't have to like Bush and Cheney (Or Kerry, for that matter) to love
America

"Randal O'Brian" wrote in message
...
Well, you might not believe it, but they do have chimes inside. It is
little coil spring gong with one end welded to the inside of the ball
half.
A steel ball about 3/8" dia, is also put (loose) in before the other ball
half is welded or brazed on. Shaking the ball makes the steel ball strike
the gong, producing a melodious note.

Randy


"Leo Lichtman" wrote in message
...
(clip) Chinese iron balls with the chimes inside (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^
I don't believe the part about the Chinese balls having chimes inside,
either. I think those balls make a nice clinking sound because they are
hard metal.

Q: Who thought up the expression, "It's cold enough to freeze the balls
off
a pawnshop?"

A. I did.