Prewar Baseball

[khkco4bls]

It definitely looks real. On the high end 600 to 800. Looks to be in nice shape and typical size for 1870s. if u can get for reasonable price its a great relic balls were typically smaller then and were softer than normal baseballs.

[Runscott]

I wouldn't touch it - it could be that 'real' baseballs looked like this, but I've seen plenty of realistic fakes that also looked like this. Basically, if you are going to create a fake, you'll use the simplest design possible, and for a 19th century baseball, you are looking at it.

[thehoodedcoder]

well that sounds like decent advice but I am hoping for something more concrete than that.

is there anything that makes someone feel like it is fake, based on experience and something in the images?

is there any way to get it authenticated or confirmed it is genuine? if so what would be the best service to do that?

kevin

[perezfan]

It looks like a typical one-piece construction lemon peel ball. There are no apparent tell-tale signs to indicate it being a reproduction or fake. Whether or not it was used for baseball could perhaps be debated, as it is a little bit on the smaller side.

But as for the materials and construction, everything looks perfect... IMO, it is not one of these bogus ebay examples that was made recently, to look old. The stitching is perfect for the era, and has obviously not been recently added. Also, if someone were to recreate this, they would not likely have added that mounting hole on the one panel.

As for authentication... Mears may be willing to write you up an LOA. I have seen them authenticate many other early pieces of baseball/football equipment simply as being "authentic". Try contacting them, if you need a professional Letter.

Hope this helps.

[Runscott]

Mark, isn't this also construction found on home-made early 20th century balls? It looks pretty simplistic. If not, how were simplistic, small, crudely-constructed home-made balls made after the 19th century ended?

[Runscott]

Mark - not questioning you, just looking for more detail. I have owned legitimate items of all types from the late 1800's, but never been able to date my balls as definitively as some do here. Also, the stuff I posted previously about 19th vs early 20th century balls, came from information I got here in this forum a couple of years ago - it seemed to be the consensus opinion at the time.

[perezfan]

I would post links if I had more time. Just check REA, Lelands, Legendary, Heritage, Hunts, etc. Their archives will show dozens of Lemon Peel examples that have sold over the past decade.

Most of the ebay examples purported to be old will have stitching that is newly applied, or is done in a more modern style. Or the coloring will be off, or the stitching will be too fine and/or will "sit atop" the leather with little signs of proper wear or settling in.

The stitching on this example looks correct in every way and is the thicker, more coarse style. Plus, you can see how it has settled in/embedded into the leather with the proper "puckering" at the seams and elongation of the holes.

Just my opinion after observing/buying/selling these items for 20+ years. I know that almost anything can be faked. Also know that skepticism tends to prevale in this forum. But in this case, I see none of the typical or tell-tale signs that would indicate this piece is bogus. If you contact any of the leading auctions to consign this piece (with the photos provided), I bet there isn't a one that would reject it.

[murphusa]

Originally Posted by Runscott

never been able to date my balls as definitively as some do here..

check you birth certificate