Lemon Peel Ball Assistance
 

I would love to read thoughts from the lemon peel baseball experts out there (Kevin O, Mark S, Gary P, etc.) about this ball I just picked up. It measures about 9” around and weighs just over 2 oz. (very light). Strangely, it rattles when shaken, like it’s hollow and maybe the core is dislodged or something. Is this normal? Does it look and sound legit? Judging by the 4-piece construction, is it likely from the 1850’s?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm no expert on these, but it sure looks legit. Is that the one that was just on ebay?

Gary I did not see that one on eBay there was another one which I was going to try to post if someone else could that I don't think was old.The one in this post to me definitely authentic and back then it could have been a roc was wrapped around a walnut a nut it could have been anything inside the lemon peel. Also 1850s is definitely probably too early I would say 1860s/70s.what you might want to try to do is have it x-rayed. Great looking ball

well
 

although my name is not Kevin Mark or Gary (I would take any of the three!) I would suggest the ball is easily discernable as real and a likely date of around 1870's because of the stitching/diameter based on what I've read/seen/own..

no guarantees whether written or implied.

Kevin-There was one recently on ebay that sold for around $400. 99+% sure it was a modern lemon peel.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Bas...orig_cvip=true

Thanks
 

Thank you, gentlemen! I was not trying to discriminate, just didn’t feel right to address my original post to “member.” :)

I appreciate all of your comments and insight.

I (Mark S) might be one of the people Kris identified... I've posted a few of mine in the past, and don't know of another Mark S around here (although I'm probably wrong about that :o)

To keep it brief, I have a legit Lemon Peel that has the same exact traits. It is lighter than one would expect, and has a definite rattle when shaken. Everything about the ball is right however, and it came from a reputable source (Hunt Auctions, who has sold many different examples).

Yours looks perfect, and I see no red flags. Would be great to know what causes the "rattle", but after 150 years, I guess it could just be some interior degradation. Awesome Ball!

Thanks
 

Thanks, Mark. You are indeed the “Mark S” I referenced and hoped would respond. I just didn’t want to call out first and last names in case that was not wanted. Very interesting to hear that you have a ball with very similar characteristics.

Thanks again to all who have responded. Everything about the ball looked good to me, but since it is outside of my areas of knowledge, I wanted to check with some experts.

Gary that is the one. No way do I feel that is authentic

I agree that the linked example is in no way authentic. The stitching is all wrong and it looks artificially aged. Too bad someone paid over $400 for that one. :(