Lot # 72: c. 1895 Original A.J. Reach Co. Equipment Catalog

Starting Bid: $50.00

Bids: 19 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall, 2022 - 10th Anniversary Auction",
which ran from 11/6/2022 12:00 PM to
11/26/2022 9:00 PM



Though there is no indication of the publication year of this Reach "Base Ball Supplies & Boxing Gloves" catalog, we believe it dates roughly to 1895, due to the endorsement of heavyweight champion James J. Corbett, and references to his 1892 and 1894 matches with John L. Sullivan and Charley Mitchell.  6 1/8" x 10 1/2" saddle-stitched pamphlet features 40 pages of sports equipment printed on extremely brittle newsprint (including advertisements for catchers and fielders' mitts with asbestos felt padding!). The catalog presents well but is, as mentioned extremely delicate.  The front cover has separated from the rest of the publication and is in poor condition on its own, with considerable tears and soiling.  Interior pages have fared somewhat better, worn and toned with some small edge tears here and there. FAIR condition overall, an outstanding document of early sporting goods.

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