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Vintage LH Winchester S-183FR Baseball Glove First Baseman's Mitt - Orig. Owner

$ 10.53

Availability: 33 in stock
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
  • Material: Leather
  • Type: Mitt
  • Size: One Size
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Condition: Pre-owned
  • Sold as Pair: No
  • Vintage: Yes
  • Brand: Winchester
  • Color: Brown
  • Experience Level: Professional Model
  • Lining Material: Leather
  • Sport/Activity: Baseball
  • Model Year: 1960s
  • Style: Lobster
  • Handedness: Left
  • Department: Men
  • Player Position: First Base

    Description

    This is my original glove. It dates back to the 1960s, as I used it in Little League in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I continued to use it through school ball, Babe Ruth, and even in an over-30 League in the 1990s. And of course, it was part of countless sandlot games. So it was used and well-loved.
    I don't remember buying this glove, it just kind of appeared in my life, likely a gift from my parents or relatives. Being born a lefty, it was pre-ordained that I would play first base or the outfield. And I did both.
    In trying to do some cursory research for this auction, I ended up more confused than anything.
    The glove definitely says "Winchester" in the pocket and on the label, which unfortunately has faded through the years. The model number is S-183FR  "Custom Professional" with a Chico Juarez signature/stamp on it. I didn't have a clue who Chico Jaurez was back in the day, and I still don't know. He doesn't seem to have been an MLB player.
    Also the Winchester brand seems to be associated with truly antique gloves from the 1920s and 1930s. This is definitely not one of those, although the design does have a single-hinged shallow pocket like older first baseman's mitts. So whether this is a derivation of the earlier Winchester brand, or a completely different and later company taking advantage of the Winchester name, I have no idea.
    There is a faded "Made In Japan" on the bottom of the label.
    The glove has spent most of the last 3 decades in a Rubbermaid storage container with my other gloves (check out the rare Corsair LH catcher's mitt I currently have up for auction), so it's in decent shape. The leather is still supple and the glove could be taken out for a catch or a game without any fear of it breaking or coming apart.
    Buyer pays for USPS Priority Mail Shipping. Thanks for looking.