Trap ball, which is sometimes called "ball and trap," is an archaic "ball and bat" game that dates back to the middle ages. It was very popular in England during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and, like the other English games of rounders and cricket, it also made its way to America during that time. As such, the game is considered one of the evolutionary forerunners to the game of baseball. Offered is a rare English presentational trap ball bat dating from 1849. The handle of the wooden bat bears the engraved lettering "E & W Page Kennington Surry" on each side, while the knob is engraved "E & W Page." An engraved silver-colored plaque on the end of the bat reads, "Presented by the Members of the Prince Regent Trap Ball Club to the Members of the Green-Dragon Trap Ball Club as a Token of Friendship the 8th day of Aug. 1849." The bat (24.5" long), which appears to be made from Maple, displays moderate wear, including several nicks, dings, and scratches. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall.