Lot # 1003: Circa 1910s Catcher's Mask

Baseball catcher's mask dating to the early twentieth century. Few pieces of such early baseball equipment have survived the ages, making this a particularly noteworthy and rare relic from the game's formative years. All of the original leather pads remain intact and firmly attached to the metal framework despite moderate to heavy wear in places. The only flaws of any note are light to moderate tarnishing to the wire frame as well as advanced wear to the canvas head strap, which has detached from the frame at top but remains attached to the sides. There are no manufacturer's stampings visible. The protective mask, which was invented in 1876 by Harvard captain Fred Thayer, along with the baseball glove, are probably the two pieces of baseball equipment that have changed the most since their inception. As one can see here, this mask is primitive when compared with the protective masks of today. In Very Good condition overall. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.