The story
This ball represents the polyester (plastic) revolution. When Columbia 300 introduced the White Dot in 1959, it changed bowling forever. Polyester balls were harder, more durable, and rolled straighter than rubber—making them ideal for spare shooting and entry-level bowlers. The Mustang 300 was a separate brand owned by Columbia Industries, not a model of Columbia 300. The trademark was filed in 1965 and registered in 1966, and the brand appears to have had a short production run before being discontinued. This particular ball features a pearlized polyester finish, which added visual appeal while maintaining the hard, glass-like surface that made polyester so durable. Unlike rubber, polyester did not absorb lane oil, so its performance remained consistent over time.
The Mustang 300 brand is obscure and short-lived, making this a rarer find than standard Columbia equipment. The pearlized polyester finish captures the aesthetic trends of the late 1960s, when bowling was at the height of its popularity and manufacturers began experimenting with colorful, eye-catching designs.