Trophy Baseballs...

[tlwise12]

Recently, I have started to collect more memorabilia and I think that trophy baseballs are pretty awesome, although I know nothing about them. Sure it seems pretty self explanatory, but please post any information (or scans) that you have on them...

-what they are made from?
-what time frames are they commonly found from?
-who were they given to?
-are they game balls created into trophies?

Any other information is also welcome!

Also, please let me know if you (or if you have any for sale)have any for sale...

Thanks
Travis

[barrysloate]

Trophy baseballs are generally game used balls. Most originate from the 1860's, although occasionally an earlier or later one is found. When two teams played an important match, the winner was awarded the game ball. They would then hire an artist to paint it a solid color (often gold), and when it dried, would add in dark letters the date, the teams, the score, and perhaps an artistic flourish. The team would then proudly display it in its trophy case. Quite a few of these have turned up over the years, but there is no way to determine for certain if they are original or modern copies unless the paint is tested in a lab. Caution is advised when making a purchase.

[D. Broughman]

Travis I was very lucky to pick up this Trophy Ball at a local auction just a few mile from my house. Thanks to a lot of help from Net 54 members I have a picture of one of the teams and a picture of a ribbon from the game. There is a screw in the top where it hung for display. Thought you would like to see it. D.

[barrysloate]

Dynarl- that's a beautiful display, with the ball, photo, and ribbon. I trust you've researched that game and know much about it.

[D. Broughman]

Barry I don't even know who won the game. All I know is what is on the ball. Sept. 5th, 1889 Detroit Police @ Cleveland. You would think they would have put the score on there wouldn't you. Joe G. found the Detroit photo in the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library. Dan B. and Clint came up with the Ribbon Photo.

[barrysloate]

Interesting. But that information must be out there somewhere, maybe on old microfilm.

[D. Broughman]

Wives health has made it hard for me to do the things I would like to do and I am old school and don't know how to do some of it.

[barrysloate]

Best of luck Dynarl with your wife. Those things always take priority.