Circa 1890s Baseball Wooden Counter Display Box

Sold For:

$1,920

Year:

1890

Auction:

2023 Spring

Lot #:

2778

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Extremely rare point-of-sale wooden display box for "The Standard Double Cover Baseball." This special display box was supplied to merchants by the manufacturer. The illustrated lid features a hand holding the "Double Cover" baseball, and the lettering below alerts patrons that "The Standard Base Balls For Sale Here." This is only the fourth example of this rare and very substantial display piece we have ever handled. The hinged lid opens to reveal twelve individual wooden compartments (delineated by interlocking wooden slats), that would have housed the balls (no balls are present with the box). Though the exact year of this box's manufacture is unknown, it almost certainly dates to the late nineteenth century, most likely circa 1890s. The box (9.75 x 12.75 x 3.25 inches) has moderate-to-heavy wear, including the center panel of the lid being reattached with glue. The bottom panel is split into two pieces and has been reattached with nails. In Fair condition overall. This is a rarely offered nineteenth-century baseball advertising display piece with a strong "old country store" appeal. Opening Bid $300.