Possibly one of a kind, this extremely rare Salesman Sample Belt Ball hails from the early townball era. Townball was a direct descendant of the game rounders, and is credited as being the stepping stone towards modern baseball.
According to the book, "Vintage Baseballs" by Dave Bushing and Joe Phillips, a Belt Ball is described as, "The stitching brings the two halves together in the center forming a belt or belted seam across the hemisphere." Examination of this artifact confirms this early, primative construction methodology. 24 hand stitches hold the outer seams and "belt" together.
The game of baseball was in its infancy, and sporting giants such as Spalding, Wright & Ditson, and Reach had not yet began to supply the country with equipment. Baseballs were quite rare, and the increasing demand allowed local cobblers to manufacturer hand made balls. This hand made design was consistent with the practice found on the surviving townball examples that have entered the hobby. This example's small size is categorized as a "salesman sample" or miniature.
The Townball is considered the earliest and rarest of 19th century baseball design. The Townball predated both the lemon peel and figure eight design, which began to be used late 1850s early 1860s.
Regarding condition, this early 1830/40s orb displays as exceptionally high grade and remains all original. The raised leather seams along with the shell of the sphere exhibits even toning, with a nice, consistent patina. The ball contains no visible markings.
Deemed a salesman sample since regulation size required the ball to measure 6 1/2" to 8" circumference, this ball measures 3" in circumference.
With respect to rarity, our research could not reveal another salesman sample Belt Ball being offered for sale. Only salesman sample known to the hobby per our reserach! A study of the market revealed that during the 2006 REA Auction, Lot #663, (2) 1830/40s Belt Balls sold for $2,660.00. Both were full size, and similar in construction. Our staff did not find a reference for a Belt Ball salesman sample being sold. MEARS Auction LOA/Troy R. Kinunen
c0442
(MEARS Auction LOA)