Catcher’s Masks - Info Requested

[baseball tourist]

I love collecting equipment, but am not great at determining age and approx value of masks in particular. The one on the right has a Wright & Ditson Canada patch and the one on the left, a Reach Wright and Ditson patch.

Any rough estimates would be most appreciated. Thanks!

[perezfan]

Much depends upon the condition and displayability. Other factors come into play, such as the age, maker, rarity of design, condition, etc. I personally dislike them with ink writing on the pads or straps. Another pet-peeve is if the buckles are broken (which is very common). Rusting of the cage is yet another negative in most people’s eyes. So a lot of it comes down to personal preferences and intangible factors.

That said, many styles are deemed far more desirable than others. Unusual early styles are always the most desirable. Non-welded turn of the century Masks (especially with throat guards) are always in demand, as are bead-weld Masks, Sun Visor Masks, unusual “Spitter” designs, unusual Ear Flaps, etc.

The rarer, the better for the most part. Your bigger mask is pretty cool, and I would call it semi-Rare in its design. But the exposed stuffing is a condition detriment. It would be worth about $200 in perfect condition, but with the torn padding, perhaps only worth $50 - $60 or so. The other one is common, and worth about the same, since condition appears to be better.

Hope this helps, and happy collecting!

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Much depends upon the condition and displayability. Other factors come into play, such as the age, maker, rarity of design, condition, etc. I personally dislike them with ink writing on the pads or straps. Another pet-peeve is if the buckles are broken (which is very common). Rusting of the cage is yet another negative in most people’s eyes. So a lot of it comes down to personal preferences and intangible factors.

That said, many styles are deemed far more desirable than others. Unusual early styles are always the most desirable. Non-welded turn of the century Masks (especially with throat guards) are always in demand, as are bead-weld Masks, Sun Visor Masks, unusual “Spitter” designs, unusual Ear Flaps, etc.

The rarer, the better for the most part. Your bigger mask is pretty cool, and I would call it semi-Rare in its design. But the exposed stuffing is a condition detriment. It would be worth about $200 in perfect condition, but with the torn padding, perhaps only worth $50 - $60 or so. The other one is common, and worth about the same, since condition appears to be better.

Hope this helps, and happy collecting!

Thanks very much Mark! Would you hazard a guess on age of these?

[perezfan]

Most likely 1930s for both. If you can find a replacement pad for the bigger mask, I’d do it. Sometimes you can pick up a junky old mask pretty cheap (just for the replacement parts).

[khkco4bls]

1920s for the most part.spitter with ear protection is the best one. All welded and not wired.

[baseball tourist]

Thanks again Mark! Thanks Kevin!