Help with USN (US Navy) Catcher's Mask???

[camarokids]

Hi All,

What can you all tell me about this mask? Is it really a US Navy item? What time period are we talking ? What is the value?

[xpress34]

David -

During WWII and the Korean War, many manufacturers made baseball and softball equipment for the Armed Forces.

That equipment includes Catcher's Gear, Bats and Gloves. I have never seen an Armed Forces (USN, USMC or US Army) stamped ball though. Also, I have never seen pieces stamped USAF (the Air Force came into being in 1947 - 2 years after WWII and was still in its 'infancy' during Korea).

That said, I have also never seen pieces attributed to the Vietnam era or later.

So YES, the USN does stand for United States Navy, and the time frame would be between 1941 and 1953.

Based on the style, I would place it in the early 50's during the Korean War.

Just my .02

- Smitty

[xpress34]

P.S. - I forgot to mention value...

Masks of this style (which is actually more of a softball style) usually don't command big money... maybe $30 - $50 tops.

The USN stamping though does add value for some collectors and could push it to the $45 - $70 range.

Again, just my .02

- Smitty

[camarokids]

P.S. - I forgot to mention value...

Masks of this style (which is actually more of a softball style) usually don't command big money... maybe $30 - $50 tops.

The USN stamping though does add value for some collectors and could push it to the $45 - $70 range.

Again, just my .02

- Smitty

Thank Smitty. The store wants $45 for it. I may go buy it. I think it would be a cool piece.

[lakeerie92]

I have seen USN stamped balls. They definitely made them.

[xpress34]

I have seen USN stamped balls. They definitely made them.

Do you know who the manufacturer was?

I know Rawlings made most of the US Army, USMC and USN Gloves I have seen, LVS for bats, McGregor/Goldsmith on catching gear.

My guess would be McGregor/Goldsmith or possibly Wilson for the balls?

Thanks for the info though!

- Smitty

P.S.

Dave -

$45 is a fair price for that mask. Do you know who the manufacturer is? Should be stamped on the leather (like the USN) or a tag on the straps.

[camarokids]

Dave -

$45 is a fair price for that mask. Do you know who the manufacturer is? Should be stamped on the leather (like the USN) or a tag on the straps.

I will have to check. I did not ask for them to take the mask out of the case......

[lakeerie92]

Do you know who the manufacturer was?

I know Rawlings made most of the US Army, USMC and USN Gloves I have seen, LVS for bats, McGregor/Goldsmith on catching gear.

My guess would be McGregor/Goldsmith or possibly Wilson for

They were Reach William Harridge OAL baseballs with USN stamps on them.

Here is the discussion on them from another forum:
http://forum.bigleaguebaseballs.com/....php?f=3&t=113