Antiques Roadshow 1859 Baseball

[John V]

I'm sitting here watching Antiques Roadshow. They just did a segment on a Brooklyn Atlantics vs Baltimore Pastimes ball from 1859. Interesting item. I would like to hear what some board members think. Pictures and story at PBS.org.

[esd10]

thats crazy i was just going to write a msg about this. It goes to show collectors that there is still good stuff to be had. I would love to have that great piece of baseball history but i never get that lucky. great item

[alanu]

I saw the show too. Pretty amazing. I think they valued it at $20-30K

[19cbb]

Here's the appraisal video for those who missed it:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/archive/201003A17.html

Watch the full episode. See more Antiques Roadshow.

Follow-up article:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/fts...201003A17.html

[Scott Garner]

Wow, what an incredible early baseball find. That ball is cool as shit!

[autograf]

saw it too.....$20K might be a little light even for an Atlantic trophy ball from 1859. Who was the guy doing the appraisal? Have never seen him before. Usually Simeon Lipman or Mike Gutierrez. Said he was from Chicago.

[GrayGhost]

AMAZING BALL. wow.

[barrysloate]

I think Jasmani used to work for Mastro; I recall he helped out when I called once for a better description of a lot. But he didn't really understand this ball. He said he didn't know why the number 29 appeared after Atlantics, but it was simply part of the score: Atlantics 29, Pastimes 15. In that respect he didn't come across as much of an expert. Neat ball. I think the original trophy case was displayed in Ebbetts Field and apparently broken up at some point. I've seen quite a few of these Atlantics balls sold over the years. They are unquestionably great.