Up for auction is an incredible piece of early basketball history. This is an antique Draper & Maynard "Official Intercollegiate" laced leather basketball, model number D259. Based on the stamping, it looks to date right around the late 1920s to mid-1930s.

Draper & Maynard (the famous "Lucky Dog" brand) was one of the premier American athletic makers back before World War II. 


Historical Notes: 

Draper & Maynard (D&M), famous for their "Lucky Dog" logo, was one of the premier American athletic manufacturers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Based on the specific style of the manufacturer cartouche and the model number stamping, this particular ball likely dates from the late 1920s to the mid-1930s—right before D&M ended its original New Hampshire production in 1937.


Condition Notes:
(please see both sets of photographs under normal and high intensity light) 

The leather is in beautiful condition with a great natural aged patina. It doesn't have the severe cracking, dry rot, or heavy dark water stains you usually see on these old balls.

  • The original leather laces are completely intact and tight.

  • All the seams and stitching are holding strong with no major separations.  The stitching and ball has collected some dust over the years, but are intact. 

  • The stamped D&M logo, "Official Intercollegiate", and model "D259" marks are still very crisp and completely readable.

  • The ball seems to hold air, though I didn't fill it completely.  No leaking when the ball is squeezed firmly. 

  • The ball has been stored indoors in a semi-open box for the last 13 years.