In what was designed as a simple game to get through the cold winter months of New England, James Naismith’s creation “Basket Ball” has evolved into one of – if not the most popular sport today. The game has evolved incredibly from its roots and over the years there have been many changes to the equipment – most notably the ball itself.

Between 1920 and 1940, when this offered basketball is dated to, the ball itself is much larger than today’s model. To put it in perspective, today’s modern basketball is 29 ½ inches in circumference while this offered ball, which is dated pre-World War II, is 36 inches in circumference. This ball is made of leather with eight panels sewn together with two small circle panels on the north and south poles. At the center it has been laced similar to a football with five stitches and border stitching. This ball weighs 32 ounces and displays heavy use. A tremendous piece of basketball history and comes full authenticated by the game used experts at MEARS, who have provided a LOA (316386) for its authentication.

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