This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
In the early days of baseball, it took five balls to be awarded a walk and four strikes for the pitcher to record a strikeout. This 19th-century five-ball, four-strike indicator was patented on October 12, 1886 by A.G. Spalding & Bros. and sold for 50 cents. The "balls" and "strikes" lettering is in black caps on an ivory background, and the black numbers are on white for easy visibility. The indicator is in excellent condition. "Spalding's Celluloid Umpire Indicator" is in black lettering on the original light blue-gray box. This indicator is an extremely rare item and the box is even rarer. There is wear on the corners of the box, which is in very good condition.