Is this a pre-war catcher's chest protector?

[x2drich2000]

Pretty sure it is a cricket shin pad. Here's an example.

http://www.nzmuseums.co.nz/account/3...et_batting_pad

DJ

[irv]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

Pretty sure it is a cricket shin pad. Here's an example.

http://www.nzmuseums.co.nz/account/3...et_batting_pad

DJ

Yep, I would have to agree.

Not sure about real old style goalie pads, but I don't, now that I think about it, think any had that type of structure within the pads?

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

DJ you nailed it! Thanks much for finding the link. It's an exact match circa 1895

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Interesting that Bresnahan who was the father of the modern catchers equipment copied cricket batters guards in his designs.
"
Among the tools of ignorance, the designs of masks and mitts have evolved the most, in response to the way baseball is played. By contrast, chest protectors and shin guards haven’t changed as much. As early as 1890, catchers began wrapping their bare lower legs with newspapers or leather, which was then hidden beneath their uniforms. This evolved into more elaborate pads, all under their pants, but it took tough-as-nails Roger Bresnahan to have the nerve to admit publicly that his legs hurt from all of the wild pitches, foul balls, thrown bats, and piercing spikes. The curiosities that Bresnahan wore more than a century ago actually were a modified version of the leg guards worn by cricket players. Rods of light cane encased in padded fabric covered the shins, and padding protected the knees."
*from sabr.org

Here's a cool pic