Lemon Peel Ball Assistance

[Kris19]

I would love to read thoughts from the lemon peel baseball experts out there (Kevin O, Mark S, Gary P, etc.) about this ball I just picked up. It measures about 9” around and weighs just over 2 oz. (very light). Strangely, it rattles when shaken, like it’s hollow and maybe the core is dislodged or something. Is this normal? Does it look and sound legit? Judging by the 4-piece construction, is it likely from the 1850’s?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[GaryPassamonte]

I'm no expert on these, but it sure looks legit. Is that the one that was just on ebay?

[khkco4bls]

Gary I did not see that one on eBay there was another one which I was going to try to post if someone else could that I don't think was old.The one in this post to me definitely authentic and back then it could have been a roc was wrapped around a walnut a nut it could have been anything inside the lemon peel. Also 1850s is definitely probably too early I would say 1860s/70s.what you might want to try to do is have it x-rayed. Great looking ball

[1880nonsports]

although my name is not Kevin Mark or Gary (I would take any of the three!) I would suggest the ball is easily discernable as real and a likely date of around 1870's because of the stitching/diameter based on what I've read/seen/own..

no guarantees whether written or implied.

[GaryPassamonte]

Kevin-There was one recently on ebay that sold for around $400. 99+% sure it was a modern lemon peel.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Bas...orig_cvip=true

[Kris19]

Thank you, gentlemen! I was not trying to discriminate, just didn’t feel right to address my original post to “member.”

I appreciate all of your comments and insight.

[perezfan]

I (Mark S) might be one of the people Kris identified... I've posted a few of mine in the past, and don't know of another Mark S around here (although I'm probably wrong about that )

To keep it brief, I have a legit Lemon Peel that has the same exact traits. It is lighter than one would expect, and has a definite rattle when shaken. Everything about the ball is right however, and it came from a reputable source (Hunt Auctions, who has sold many different examples).

Yours looks perfect, and I see no red flags. Would be great to know what causes the "rattle", but after 150 years, I guess it could just be some interior degradation. Awesome Ball!

[Kris19]

Thanks, Mark. You are indeed the “Mark S” I referenced and hoped would respond. I just didn’t want to call out first and last names in case that was not wanted. Very interesting to hear that you have a ball with very similar characteristics.

Thanks again to all who have responded. Everything about the ball looked good to me, but since it is outside of my areas of knowledge, I wanted to check with some experts.

[khkco4bls]

Originally Posted by GaryPassamonte

Kevin-There was one recently on ebay that sold for around $400. 99+% sure it was a modern lemon peel.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Bas...orig_cvip=true

Gary that is the one. No way do I feel that is authentic

[perezfan]

I agree that the linked example is in no way authentic. The stitching is all wrong and it looks artificially aged. Too bad someone paid over $400 for that one.