Old Baseball questions

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Posted By: Alan Elefson

Hi-
Please see the scans below of an old baseball I recently purchased (flea market find, so very cheap). Could any one provide an approximate date range for this ball? I was guessing post 1900 (1920s?), but the stitching looks different to me (although that could just be the horrible condition of the ball). Any other information about this baseball would be greatly appreciated. Please also feel free to post your own vintage baseballs!
Thanks in advance,
Alan Elefson
aelefson@hotmail.com

[Archive]

Posted By: Mark

I would guess 1890s - 1900s, based on the rather crude stitching style. How large is the ball... standard size baseball, or smaller?

[Archive]

Posted By: Alan Elefson

Mark-
It appears to be smaller than a standard size baseball but because it has bulges (it probably was left in a puddle for a long period of time) it is difficult to judge. I will try to measure it this evening and post with the information. Thank you very much for your help!
Alan Elefson
aelefson@hotmail.com

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

I concur that this is circa 1890s.

Some of my oldies

[Archive]

Posted By: Alan Elefson

Thanks Guys! I was hoping pre 1900, as that is where I am focusing my collection lately. I still cannot take a good measurement, but comparing it to a mid 1950s ball I have, it is noticeably smaller. I know the condition is really rough, but for the price I paid, I will gladly add it to my collection!
Thanks again,
Alan Elefson
aelefson@hotmail.com