Need Help with this Ball

[kdixon]

It's pretty hard but not as hard as a new one in my opinion.

Wow! A true, 3-seam fastball!

[Cardboard Junkie]

Aloha! I don't know anything about baseballs but could you weigh it? Very interesting 8 1/2 " around. Looks in great shape for 1880 but I wouldn't be surprised if it was. Nice find. Now tell me you bought it for .50cents at a garage sale. Aloha, Dave.

[kdixon]

Here is another picture of the ball. David the ball weighs about 1/4 of a pound. I didnt get it a a garage sale. Bought it from an older antique dealer who had it in his house, not in a store. I had asked him if he had any old baseball items and he said no, then he remembered he had the ball. Thanks for all the great information in the posts and in private messages.

[BigJJ]

After having 5-10 lemon/belt balls, of various size, weight, and construction, I'd say 10 years older, c.1870. In my opinion, this ball is in the tail end of that first generation of adult circumference, yet non-uniform balls.

[kdixon]

A friend put the old ball in this picture. I thought it was kind of cool.

[kdixon]

I have had a lot of people ask me if the ball is for sale. I am going to sell it, but havent decided whether to sell it or auction it off. Feel free to make an offer if you have interest in the ball.
Thanks again for all who gave information on the ball.