THE SIGN OF THE THREE BALLS (BRASS, GOLDEN or BLUE BALLS), phr. (old).—A pawnbroker’s: see UNCLE.

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  1748.  SMOLLETT, Roderick Random, xvi. He at length unbuckled his hanger, and, showing me the SIGN OF THE THREE BLUE BALLS, desired me to carry it thither and pawn it for two guineas.

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  c. 1845.  HOOD, On Pawning My Watch, ix.

        I ’ve gone to a dance for my supper;—
  And now I must go to THREE BALLS!

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  1861.  G. A. SALA, Twice Round the Clock, 3 P.M., 180. The brethren of the THREE GOLDEN BALLS.

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  1880.  G. R. SIMS, Three Brass Balls [Title].

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