Fraudulent eBay listing; 1860s-1870s Gutta-Percha Baseball

[vintagesportscollector]

Looks like a Lawn Ball, but smaller than that. Could be for some other bowling type game.

[pedodds]

Thanks guys for your valuable input. I think i've figured this out! I started searching the dimensions of athletic balls and have concluded that a lacrosse ball is the only ball that meets the size and description of the sellers ball. If you search the evolution of the lacrosse ball, I believe you will come to the same conclusion. You will also find a style of horse leather lacrosse ball that resembles todays figure eight baseball. The key to the identification and differentiation is the circumference and weight. On average lacrosse balls are eight inches in circumference. My argument is to pay attention to size of the ball before buying it. Regulations on the sizes of baseballs go back as far as 1857 to my knowledge. I am not saying that all 8 inch balls are lacrosse. What I am saying is that because a ball has a lemon peel stitch or a figure eight stitch doesn't always mean it was used for baseball. In this day of forgeries and replicas, I see buyers get taken advantage of frequently. Too often it is up to the buyer to prove authenticity. Buyer beware is more important today more than ever!
Thanks!
John

See the link below;

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...42059868,d.eWE

[vintagesportscollector]

possibly, but without examining it, it's difficult to be sure. The ball in question looks to be harder than a lacrosse ball.

[Runscott]

This is what came to mind when I saw the ebay listing. I think, in addition to the normal ivory, they could be made from a bakelite-like substance.

Here is a set of carom balls with a circumference of 7.59": carom balls on ebay

[Huysmans]

Originally Posted by vintagesportscollector

Looks like a Lawn Ball, but smaller than that. Could be for some other bowling type game.

Hey Joe, what about a cricket ball? Could it possibly be that?

[vintagesportscollector]

I don't think Cricket, seems too hard for that. I think Scott's idea could be it.

[1880nonsports]

too. I've owned a few red/white ivory sets but that ball is a stumper. I don't get out enough anymore :-(

[Runscott]

Careful - you guys might make me feel smart. On the other hand, I have a hard time believing that anyone could think that a billiard ball could have been used to play baseball. If he also listed an old pool cue as a 'baseball bat', things would begin to make more sense.

[philliesfan]

I am no expert or even close, but the first thing I thought of when I saw the auction was a lacrosse ball.
Robert