What is this?

[poohbearhansen]

I bought an item on ebay from a seller that didn't know what this was saying it was either a lemon peel ball or feathery golf ball. The stitching is like a baseball, but the leather color looks like a golf ball. I'm very certain this isn't a golf ball even though it's about the same size as one. There are only 2 pieces of leather stitched together and that is inconsistent with early golf balls. Maybe a reproduction or replica of something, but it seems to be made of older materials. If it's a repro it is poorly made. It could be a miniature baseball for children, but I can't find any information on that. Please help and If you know what it is could you give me an estimate on what it might be worth. Thank you all.

[Tao_Moko]

I've seen 19th century golf balls referred to as "feathery" before. There was one that sold on etsy very similar to yours. I'm no expert but that would be my guess.

[poohbearhansen]

Here's another pic

[poohbearhansen]

And another

[poohbearhansen]

Thank you for your help maybe it is just stitched different than most golf balls.

[Pat R]

I'm not positive but I think it might be an older jai-alai ball.


Here's a picture of one, It is measures two inches from bottom to top.

[iwantitiwinit]

How heavy is it? I'd guess Jai alai if its got some weight to it.

[auggiedoggy]

So that's where my feathery is!!! Please place it back where you found it. Feel free to improve my lie.

[poohbearhansen]

It is not too heavy, but after looking into it it definitely looks like it is from some form of this sport. Perhaps valencian pilota. It is just a little small than a golf ball, but lighter than a modern day golf ball. Thank you all so much for the help so far. Do you know how old it might be if it is a jai alai ball? Do they still make the ball the same as they always have? Price?

[1880nonsports]

but I'd say a ball from the game of fives. A feathery refers to a golf ball - they are quite rare due to their feather composition and you would probably be able to feel it in hand. Fro my vantage point that looks unlikely but without it in hand it's conjecture only.

[Pat R]

These are the newer jai-alai balls. Jai alai dates back to the 1800's.
As for the value I have no idea if that's what it is.

[iwantitiwinit]

Originally Posted by 1880nonsports

but I'd say a ball from the game of fives. A feathery refers to a golf ball - they are quite rare due to their feather composition and you would probably be able to feel it in hand. Fro my vantage point that looks unlikely but without it in hand it's conjecture only.

I agree. Now that I look at it a bit more I think its too small and probably too soft to be an jai alai ball.

[Wildfireschulte]

Looks like a Schwetty Ball to me - does it taste a little salty?