1936 Spalding Football
 

So, I just picked up something like A Holy Grail item for me. In 1936, Santa Clara University defeated St. Mary's in the annual "Little Big Game." It was the first Santa Clara Victory over St. Mary's since 1923. Santa Clara's star player was Nello Falaschi, who became an All American that year and led the team to a Sugar Bowl victory over LSU (Santa Clara also won the Sugar Bowl in 1938). He later played for the NY Giants.

This Spalding J5-V football is from Falschi's estate. It has the 1936 Little Big Game score on the ball and a drawing of a Bronco. It is hard to tell if these features are stamped into the ball or hand written.

This is my first vintage football. As you can see from the pictures, it is flat. I was hoping to hear from some vintage football collectors for advice about taking care of it. Should I inflate it? Anything special I need to know before trying to inflate it? Can I use a modern needle?

I would do a little more research before attempting. Some balls still have a functional bladder inside, but it's best not to fully inflate them. If the bladder is not functional or has significant issues you may be better off not messing with it. You may be able to partially inflate it to assist it in displaying better. These are really a case by case scenario.

Lube up a bicycle pin and fill the football slightly

I had an old football that was presented to my father in high school as a trophy. It was in our attic for many years. It was also flat. I decided to have it restored as a gift to my brother for Christmas one year after my father passed. Here is what I used...

Wilson offers a football repair service at a cost of $20.00. One of our technicians will replace the bladder and relace the ball for you, and then return it to you at our expense via Fedex. The repair and return process usually takes between two and four weeks. If you wish to do the repair on your own and would only like to purchase a bladder and lace set, the fee would be only $5.00. If you are only ordering the bladder and lace set, please specify what size football the bladder is need for.
To take advantage of either of these options, please send payment in the appropriate amount along with the ball if a repair is being requested to the following address:
Wilson Sporting Goods
Attn: Football Repair
217 N. Liberty Street
Ada, OH 45810

Will try tomorrow
 

Thanks to everyone for the tips. I think I'll start by trying to fill it up just a bit tomorrow.

Awesome football. Very cool item to add to any football collection. I also have some old flat footballs and thought of using the Wilson service to restore them. My one concern...I don't want shiny new laces in a 50 year old ball.

Yeah thats true, but you may be able to age them yourself. Or maybe even ask them to dirty the lace material before stitching. I did it because I wanted the ball inflated for display. It was always flat when I saw it in the attic. I'll try and get a pic of it today as I am going to my brothers. There is some cracking to it because the whole ball was originally painted.

I've never attempted such a thing, but couldn't you (or your restorer) replace the internal bladder but keep/re-use the existing laces?

Not sure I would go back to the manufacturer for that work to be done though. For a $20 service charge, I don't think you're going to be getting a "museum quality" restoration. That service seems to be geared more toward those who don't want to shell out $80 for a new ball and just want to make their old one usable again.

Football
 

Great football; congrats on adding it to your collection.
I would be very surprised if inflating it slowly works given the ball and bladders age. It likely won't hold air, or will leak. Can't hurt to try as long as the leather isn't too dry/brittle.
I can recommend a restorer who I have used may times in the past, who will replace the bladder, and re-lace using antique laces (or the original laces when possible) Shoot me an email, and I'll get you his contact info if interested.

I ended up filling it up. It looks better now (more of a football shape), but it is still flat. Not sure if it will hold the football shape or shrinl back into a rasin.

I'm torn between keeping it as is (with original laces) and restoring. I'll probably wait for a bit to decide. If I can't keep it out of rasin form, I'll probably restore.

Right now, I just enjoy having it.