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The original name of this sport was called "VOGELPIK".
It was very popular in Flanders around the time of 1792, and seems to have originated from
the archery skills of the Middle Ages. "VOGELPIK" is the early
version of the modern game of Belgian
darts. It consisted of a stuffed bird hung by a wire
from the ceiling, and in its bill a needle in the horizontal position was attached. The
player would balance the wire and try to spear a wooden board that was hung on the wall.
The modern version of Belgian darts employed a seven inch diameter straw board that the tapered,
feathered darts were thrown against. The target was originally made from pressed straight
rye straw. It had vari-colored circles which were separated by metal bands that divided
the target into six separate scoring rings of varying numerical value.
The darts (PIKS) were, and are still made of birchwood, the feathers are select
turkey feathers and the point is made from polished steel. They are precision made,
accurate and correctly balanced with a lead weight. We at Standard Target and Dart
have continued the old world tradition that our grandfather, Arthur VanHoutteghem, brought
with him from Belgium over 70 years ago.
The target is made from end grain Basswood because it is the most durable and self-healing
material on the market today. Brass rings are hydraulically inserted in to the target to
separate the six different scoring rings. The outside edge of the target is finished with
a polished brass band. Our Belgian
dart boards come in two sizes, the original seven inch diameter and the nine inch
diameter (actual size 8-3/4"), which our grandfather introduced in America over
seventy years ago.
Belgian darts has remained a very popular game in the Belgium community since the
18th century. It is not only relaxing but also helps to develop coordination skills,
precision and self-control. |
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