Outstanding Early 1900’s Leather Laced Basketball – NR-MT

Presented here is an Outstanding Early 1900’s Leather-Laced Basketball, a truly exceptional example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship preserved in near mint (NR-MT) condition. This magnificent relic hails from the dawn of organized basketball — a period when each ball was meticulously hand-stitched and laced, reflecting both the artistry and durability of early sporting equipment manufacture.

Constructed of high-quality, leather panels, this early basketball displays the classic eight-panel design with a neatly leather lace seam across the top, used for bladder access in the pre-valve era. The leather remains remarkably supple and clean, showing a deep, rich patina that highlights its original surface texture. The seams are tight and uniform, and the laces are completely original, an extraordinary survival feature for a piece now well over a century old.

The overall condition is nothing short of remarkable — NR-MT, showing only faint signs of handling and no structural flaws. The form remains perfectly round and firm, a testament to both careful preservation and the superior materials used by early sporting goods makers.

A true centerpiece for any vintage basketball or early sports collection, this early 1900’s leather-laced basketball stands as a rare and visually stunning reminder of the game’s humble beginnings. A superb example of early American athletic history.

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