A leather, No. 2, association football. The ball is currently under-filled at 18” in
circumference, but would easily measure 19” when properly filled. This ball was
likely used in games with younger players or non match play.
According to the Peck & Snyder Football Rule Book from
1879, Rule Number 10, “that the average circumference of the Association Football be
27 inches, and not more than 28 inches; that the ball used in matches for the
Association Challenge Cup be of this regulation size”.
These balls came in six sizes, ranging in circumference from
16 to 30 inches. An absolute rarity in any size.
A related note: In
1875, the ball agreed to be used at the first Harvard – Yale football game was the
No. 6 ball, specified in the rules as a leather covered ball 30 inches in
circumference and less pointed at the ends than the rugby football which was 27
inches in circumference. At this time, in
all match games the No. 6 was used, the ball supplied by the challenging team
and becoming the property of the winning team.
Peck & Snyder Rule Book Photo Courtesy of Chris Hornung
