Pre-1870 Baseball Memorabilia

[jpop43]

1850s/ 1860s belt used by both baseball players and firemen of the era. Belts like these were in fashion for both of these closely aligned groups in the mid 19th C. (see the image of the 1860 Bklyn Excelsiors) . This one just happens to be from NY (per mfg. info which is the same mfg. of the Baraboo BBC belt in the HoF ) and reflects the name "Excelsiors". While no definitive claim can be made that it was specifically used for baseball, such a claim cannot specifically be refuted either.

[bgar3]

Gary, I was hoping for more also. In the interest of keeping it going I am including a stereoview that has been described in articles and books as being from 1858, depicting the only known image of the Massachusett's game in action. Unfortunately, my research places this as about 1863, and I do not dispute that it is probably the Massachusett's game, but I have no way of knowing if others exist.

[Bill Rayburn]

Hey guys, great stuff. I love this thread also. I am not so sure about this bat, maybe late 1860's. I thought someone might be able to pinpoint it for me. It is 38 1/2" long, straight taper with a small round knob, no mfg label, barrel end is 2 3/8" dia. The handle is painted from the knob up about 15" on the handle. I am not sure what kind of wood but it is a beautiful grain pattern.

[GaryPassamonte]

Love the stereoview.

Here is a tiger maple bat I have that is similar to yours, Bill. The knobs are different. I'm not sure of the date. Thanks, Jonathan

[bgar3]

I don't know anything about the bats, but they are beautiful works of art.

[Leon]

An (the aforementioned) Ambrotype to add to the fun...

[GaryPassamonte]

Love it, Leon.

[ruth-gehrig]

Really great items guys! I will post these 2 that could possibly fit the specified time period.

[khkco4bls]

Here is my belt style ball. Notice the intricate red stitching. I always wondered what this was made from

[GaryPassamonte]

I always thought these were cool. 1861 token commemorating the third anniversary of the Pioneer Base ball Club of Springfield Ma. I picked it up last night.

[btcarfagno]

Not exactly post Civil War. Certainly during Civil War however. Soldier letter to home with six lines of text regarding playing base ball in camp.

"We have base ball once in a while and since commencing this letter I have been out and played a game so you will excuse my writing for I am all heat up".





Tom C

[bgar3]

Glad this thread is continuing, very nice stuff.
Kevin, it is possible that red stitching is from a cricket ball that was taken apart to switch to a baseball. If that were the case, it would be a pretty neat example of the move from cricket to baseball. It just has that center stitch look to me.

[jpop43]

Just me thinkin' here, but if we expand this wonderful thread to include 1860s baseball items (post Civil War, but nothing past 1869), it might really bring to light some great stuff...what do you think??

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by khkco4bls

Here is my belt style ball. Notice the intricate red stitching. I always wondered what this was made from

Interesting example Kevin. They would repurpose leather from many sources to make balls - shoes, satchels, etc. Often you do see the stitching or holes from the prior use.

[Scott Garner]

Really a cool thread!

This Victorian Era 1866 Base Ball Dance Invitation is a favorite of mine and originated from the collection another net54 board member.

[mjkm90]

1865

[bobfreedman]

Made in 1868 is the oldest piece I own