1920-1929 Catchers Mask Dating Guide

The one piece constructed frame with the padding strapped to the frame makes an appearance but does not catch on fully until the 1940s. The electric weld Steel Wire still dominates the market and truss construction is becoming more popular. Open vision masks are quickly replacing the "Spiderman" masks. The modern style multi-thick wire, and one piece frame catchers masks begin their development

Visual Glossary


1916 Mask developments - Spitter, Elec. Weld, truss & double wire	1916-1920s Electric Weld catchers mask with Diamond Spitter	1920s "Light Metal Composition one piece frame Catchers Mask

The Dating of a catcher's mask could prove to be a difficult task. Construction styles, models, or features could have been used for many years after they were introduced. In some cases you could positively date a mask to after a feature was first introduced but you might have to settle on dating it to a longer era of use. Generalized, such as the mask in the Visual Glossary above, that is dated approximately to 1916-1920's. It cannot be made before 1911 because it's has an electric weld frame, and it cannot be earlier than 1914 the year the Spitter was introduced. However these features along with the "full length face pads, and the truss style construction can still carry it over into and through the 1920's. Based on matching the framework to catalog ads I believe that the mask is closer to the late 1910's to the early 1920's rather than mid to late 1920's.


"V" Style Forehead	1924 Light Metal one piece frame Catchers Mask & Patent	"U" Style Forehead

These are the type of things to look for when dating a mask. The construction methods are a great tool for dating a mask. The loop & clip construction still lingers into the 1920s but the electric weld masks dominate. The development of a one piece "Light Metal" catchers masks begins in 1921 with an aluminum mask patented by Umpire James E Johnstone. (pictured below left column) Two other patents follow in 1922 (below left column) & 1924 (above center). The intention is to make the mask lighter, and reduce construction time and cost. Although this design continues to be developed into the 1970s the Wire mesh construction still remains to this day, the most popular.

The "Wide Sight" and Truss constructed masks introduced around 1916 become more common and continue development throughout the 1920's thanks to the electric weld construction made available in 1911. Full length "Adjustable" face padding laced to the frame is now becoming the norm. Frames with extended wire ear protection are also becoming more common. The majority of 1920s Mask designs now have Spitters.

Basically the main features with masks dated to the 1920-1929 manufacturing period are; Wide Sight, Electric weld frames and the use of full length padding. Like the decade before, chin padding becomes more common but "Molded" chin straps or pads ( a strip of leather) still dominate. The Truss constructed "V" shape above the eyes is most commonly used in 1920s mask construction. Some time around 1925 the "U" shape is used and becomes more common towards and into the 1930's. You will also notice more use of lacing to secure the face pads.

Because it is easier to date a mask to the era when a feature was available I have listed a timeline below. You might be able to use unique features on your mask that overlap other features to narrow down the date. I have also included catalog images so you can match styles and construction characteristics like a fingerprint.

Catchers Mask Timeline

1911 D&M introduces Electric Welded steel wire construction.
1912 Reach introduces "Wide Sight" frame construction.
1914 Reach introduces "The Spitter" hole
1914 The first use of chin padding that slowly replaces chin support straps.
1916 Spalding starts to use Truss Support, and double wire construction.
1921 Aluminum one piece frame is patented by umpire James E. Johnstone.

1920-1929 Catchers Mask Catalog Samples & Ads


1920 D&M 1922 Goldsmith Catchers Masks	1921 Reach's Official Base Ball Guide	1922 Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide	1918 Simmon's Catalog Advertising

1925 Rawlings & Reach Catchers Masks	1927 Reach Catchers Masks	1928 Ken-Wel D&M Reach Catchers Masks	1928 Reach Catalog ads