vintage baseball equipment

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Posted By: jamie

i remember someone posted a few pics of some older baseballs... hoping they can help.

i picked up a baseball today from an estate sale- it's smaller than the standard size, has red stitching and is dark in color (from age i reckon). there is no indication of maker on it.

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Posted By: Rob L

Figure 8 stitched baseballs from the late 1800s can be difficult to identify without markings, however, the sizes and weights were a little more varied during that time. Can you post a photo? Also what is the exact diameter/circumference and weight.

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Posted By: jamie

i picked up this ball along with this wilson's umpire mask.

the ball measures approximately 2.5 inches across. any info on either would be greatly appreciated...
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tried to post the pics here but it kept timing out

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Posted By: Rob L

It's hard to tell from your picture, but the diameter is small (circumference of 7.9 inches). So far in my research, the size variations of Figure 8 balls seems to be great in the late 19th Century with circumferences ranging from 7.5" to the standard 9.25". The ball on the left in the photo below is a c1880s-90s ball that has a similar diameter to yours. My best guess is that this ball is a c1890s to turn of the century ball.

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Posted By: Anonymous

thanks! that was the picture i was looking for... the scan i did was terrible but it does look a lot like that pic of the ball on the left. thanks for the info too- the web is surprisingly absent of information on this

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Posted By: Rob L

No problem. I am collecting photos, sizes, etc. of 19th century baseballs. I'm hoping that this research will ultimately lead into an article on the history and/or development of the baseball in the 19th century. Hope you don't mind if I keep the photo of your baseball in my collection (I cleaned it up a little bit).



Rob

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Posted By: Kevin O

Rob: Here's a ball I picked up a few weeks ago. The seller said it was a "belt type" baseball, though I have no idea what that even means. I just thought it was cool.

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Posted By: jamie

rob,
i dont mind at all. if i can get a clearer picture of the ball, ill send it to you as well.

thanks again for your expertise!
jamie

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Posted By: Rob L

Kevin,

Awesome. Belt or gusset style balls are rarer than the lemon peel. Do you have any other pictures of the ball. Also, what is the diameter or circumference and weight. A very cool pick up. How much did you get it for and is it for sale?

Rob L

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Posted By: hankron

From the angle at least, it doesn't appear to be a belt ball. Belt balls look as if they were made out of a belt-- with a distinct belt-like strip.

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Posted By: Rob L

I agree David. That is why I would like to see some additional photos. It may be a very early Figure 8 which would be just as cool.

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Posted By: Kevin O

Here's another view of the ball. There is a piece of leather missing from the top. I took this picture at its worst angle.

I agree that this is probably an early figure eight ball. Its circumference is about 8". Although I don't have a way to measure its weight, I would say it's not very different from today's standard ball. Maybe a little bit lighter. I bought this as a package with a Spalding Ring Bat, so I can't say for sure what I paid for it.

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Posted By: Rob L

Hey Kevin,

Interesting. Is the piece that is missing have a stitch all the way around it. If so, it is likely a belt style. If a portion does not have a stitched section, it is likely a Figure 8 ball. Also, what is it filled with (ie. cloth, string/twine/yarn, etc.)?

Thanks,

Rob

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Posted By: hankron

Luckily, a very early figure 8 ball is worth more than a belt ball.

Most types are easy to identify: figure eight (2 '8' panels like today), gusset ball (H-pattern stitching like gusset long underwear), belt ball (looks like it was made from a heavy belt) and lemon peal (triangulars like lemon or orange sections). For very early balls, figure 8 and gusset balls are typically the most expensive-- though an early ball of any style is worth $.

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Posted By: Kevin O

The piece that is missing is about 1" of leather, but it is more like a loop of the eight than a single stitched piece. It's hard to tell what's inside, since, even though the leather has come off in that area, there is no open space to the inside. It's hard enough that it could still be used as a ball today, but it does have a little bit of give to the touch. Is it possible that it's a combination of cloth and twine/yarn?

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Posted By: Rob L

Hey Kevin,

The ball is most likely wrapped with string/yarn. I have only seen one or two balls that were filled with cloth. If the ball is fairly hard with a little give, it would seem to be a wrapped ball. Is it okay to use your photos for my database?

Thanks,

Rob L

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Posted By: Kevin O

Help yourself, Rob.