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This
is a
vintage 1915 -1920 Spalding inflatable catchers chest
protector. In the early days of baseball, experimental
equipment such as this inflatable chest protector made
an appearance. The chest protector was made with inter-connected
cells to be inflated with air instead of padding. Of all
baseball equipment the evolution of catchers gear
includes the greatest number of changes. The earliest
accounts of chest protectors were first used in the
1880's. Catchers wore them under their uniforms, not to
be harassed.
This
particular Chest protector was used by American serviceman
stationed in Poitiers, France during the first world
war. See other vintage baseball equipment found with
this chest protector including an Official National League,
American - France YMCA baseball.
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