Is this a Townball Ball?
 

Posted By: <b>Rob L</b><p>Picked up this ball from the mid to late 1800s. The circumference of the ball is about 6.5" and it weighs a couple of ounces. Based on size/weight, it fits in the Townball or Massachusetts Game category. Has anyone seen a townball ball before? Rob L<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1081455703.JPG">

Is this a Townball Ball?
 

Posted By: <b>hankron</b><p>I don't know what constitutes a townball, but, whether or not it is relevant to your post, the ball has a 'gusset' design (identified by the 'H' stitching pattern, and as opposed to the lemon peal and figure eight designs). At least as applied to baseballs, the 'gusset balls' design is early and scarce.

Is this a Townball Ball?
 

Posted By: <b>Rob L</b><p>Were size variations in early baseballs fairly common? The link below shows a Lelands lot that included two lemon peel baseballs that show one larger ball and a smaller ball that appears to be about the size of this ball. The codified baseball rules (1860)indicated that balls should have a minimum circumference of 9.25". Were smaller balls prevalent after this?<BR><BR><a href="http://www.lelands.com/bid.aspx?lot=1410&auction=311" target=_new>http://www.lelands.com/bid.aspx?lot=1410&auction=311</a>