Displayed is a circa 1860s "Lemon Peel" baseball. The Lemon Peel description comes from the way the stitching on the ball resembles the slicing in a lemon cut into fourths. Back in the earliest days of baseball, the spheroid used was generally a four-piece, leather-skinned baseball. The standardized 1861 rules specified that the ball weigh between 5.5 to 5.75 ounces and have a circumference of between 9.5 and 9.75 inches. Dark leather was usually used because of two reasons: A dark ball was easier to see against a bright sky, and dark leather was more easily available than light leather. After the 1860s, baseballs became "figure-eight" baseballs, such as those used today. The offered baseball has a weight of 2.75 ounces and a circumference of approx. 8.25". The disparity of the weight and circumference of the offered item and that of the 1861 rules could be because the ball was not made to specifications and/or because the ball has a number of repair stitches in it. It could have lost weight and circumference when inner material was lost through earlier rips in the stitching. The displayed ball exhibits great use. There are various stains from dirt, grass, and other surfaces, bat markings, abrasions, minor loss of skin in very small areas, and a few small red stains of unknown origin. The ball is slightly misshapen, not uncommon for the time, and especially common for a baseball receiving as much use as this one. This is a vintage ball whose use dates back to approximately the time of the American Civil War, and as such, it is a great, and unusual addition that will enhance interest in any sports collection.