Are many of the 19th Century Baseballs being sold recently fakes?

[william_9]

I don't necessarily agree that 19c baseballs are exceptionally rare. They are by no means common, but they're out there. What I've been seeing is an increase in 19c styles that don't add up in terms of wear and tear. On the one hand, they were handmade and homemade using existing material, usually from items that had exceeded their usefulness. You would expect overall wear. That characteristic is usually present on eBay but there doesn't seem to be any secondary wear from use as a baseball. In other words, all the wear is consistent across the surface and it is seemingly unaffected by the core and stitching which create natural high spots. Keep in mind the fact that it is likely to be the only ball in use for days or weeks on end. Doesn't add up to me.