SPALDING'S TRADE-MARKED CATCHERS' MASK.
The suit for infringement on Catchers' Masks brought against us by F. W. Thayer of Boston was, after a two years' litigation, decided against us in the U. S. District Court, and in settlement for back damages we arranged to protect all of our customers.
Ball players and dealers in Base Ball Goods are cautioned against buying any Catchers' Masks unless made under license from Thayer, and plainly stamped "Manufactured under Thayer's Patent."
At present it would be considered unsafe and even dangerous for a catcher to face the swift underhand throwing of the present day unless protected by a reliable mask. The increased demand for these goods has brought manufacturers into the field who, having no reputation to sustain, have vied with each other to see how cheaply they could make a so-called mask, and in consequence have ignored the essential qualification, strength. A cheaply made, inferior quality of mask is much worse than no protection at all, for a broken wire, or one that will not stand the force of the ball without caving in, is liable to disfigure a player for life. Our trade-marked masks are made of the very best hard wire, plated to prevent rusting, and well trimmed, and every one is a thorough face protector. We make them in four grades, as described below:
Beware of counterfeits. None genuine without our trade-mark stamped on each mask.
[Illustration: No. 3-0 Mask.]
[Illustration: No. 2-0 Mask.]
No. 3-0. SPALDING'S NEW PATENTED NECK-PROTECTING MASK.
This mask has a peculiar shaped extension at the
bottom which affords the same protection to the
neck as the mask does to the face. It does not
interfere in the slightest degree with the free
movement of the head, and is the only mask made
which affords perfect protection to a catcher. The
entire mask is constructed of the best hardened
wire, extra heavy padded with goat hair, and the
padding faced with the best imported dogskin,
which is impervious to perspiration, and always
soft and pliable, each. $4.00
No. 2-0. SPALDING'S SPECIAL LEAGUE MASK, used by all
leading professional catchers, extra heavy wire,
well padded with goat hair, and the padding faced
with the best imported dogskin, which is
impervious to perspiration, and retains its
pliability and softness $3.50
No. 1-0. SPALDING'S REGULATION LEAGUE MASK, made of heavy
wire, well padded and faced with horsehide,
warranted first-class in every respect. $3.00
No. 1. SPALDING'S BOYS' LEAGUE MASK, made of heavy wire,
equally as heavy in proportion to size as the No.
2-0 mask. It is made to fit a boy's face, and
gives the same protection as the League Mask. 2.50
AMATEUR MASKS.
[Illustration: Amateur Mask.]