My sense is that balls tone primarily due to the processing chemicals and oils inherent in the leather. I've had balls signed at about the same time in a dark, dry, cool cabinet for 15 years. Some look the same as the day they were signed, others are darkly toned and others have ugly dark spots. It can't be the storage environment as they all had he same.
It does concern me that balls can self destruct despite your best efforts to preserve. however, regarding the ugly stains / spots... My sense is they manifest in the first 10 years or so. if the ball makes it past that point without spots, it may tone further, but hopefully do it evenly.
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