Some recent findings...
In terms of dating the piece based on the field depicted on the game face, here is some help I got from the VBBA Historian, Eric Miklich (19th C baseball.com) :
Jon,
Home base was placed entirely in fair territory at the start of the 1877 season. The pitcher’s box from your pictures appears to be 6’ x 4’ or 5 ½’ x 4’. This would indicate the start of the 1879 season or the 1887 season.
First and third base were moved entirely inside the 90’ foot dimensions of the playing field starting with the 1887 season. Second base has never been inside the 90’ square of the infield in the 19th century, nor is it today.
Based on the pitcher’s box and first and third bases being positioned entirely in fair territory and within the 90’ square of the infield, I would put this field at least an 1887 field, NL or AA.
So, given the info on the 19th C. field layout, and the fact that the game is made of aluminum or tin, it does stand to reason that this baseball puzzle dates to the 1880s and is, very likely, a 19th Century item.
Jon
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