Pre-1870 Baseball Memorabilia

[khkco4bls]

Here is my belt style ball. Notice the intricate red stitching. I always wondered what this was made from

[GaryPassamonte]

I always thought these were cool. 1861 token commemorating the third anniversary of the Pioneer Base ball Club of Springfield Ma. I picked it up last night.

[btcarfagno]

Not exactly post Civil War. Certainly during Civil War however. Soldier letter to home with six lines of text regarding playing base ball in camp.

"We have base ball once in a while and since commencing this letter I have been out and played a game so you will excuse my writing for I am all heat up".





Tom C

[bgar3]

Glad this thread is continuing, very nice stuff.
Kevin, it is possible that red stitching is from a cricket ball that was taken apart to switch to a baseball. If that were the case, it would be a pretty neat example of the move from cricket to baseball. It just has that center stitch look to me.

[jpop43]

Just me thinkin' here, but if we expand this wonderful thread to include 1860s baseball items (post Civil War, but nothing past 1869), it might really bring to light some great stuff...what do you think??

[ksfarmboy]

Great stuff everyone. Unfortunately I've got nothing. If I found something from Kansas it would be a holy grail item for sure. Keep it coming guys.

[bgar3]

It is Gary's idea, but I could support a pre 1870 thread.

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by khkco4bls

Here is my belt style ball. Notice the intricate red stitching. I always wondered what this was made from

Interesting example Kevin. They would repurpose leather from many sources to make balls - shoes, satchels, etc. Often you do see the stitching or holes from the prior use.

[Scott Garner]

Really a cool thread!

This Victorian Era 1866 Base Ball Dance Invitation is a favorite of mine and originated from the collection another net54 board member.

[mjkm90]

1865

[bobfreedman]

Made in 1868 is the oldest piece I own

[ramram]

Lon Kinch - Columbia BBC - Bordentown, NJ - Catcher - c. 1866

Rob M

Baseball - c. 1866 CDV - Lon Kinch (1).jpg

[steve B]

I had a couple of these a while back, only one now, and misplaced so I can't do a better scan. Anyway, a letterhead from the company that came up with the modern baseball. A bit hard to see but the printed date is 186_

Steve B