Circa 1910 Melon Ball

 

This was my first attempt at a full restoration of a vintage football. I found this up in Maine and it was hard as a rock and folded in thirds. Worst case - and what better ball to see what I could do with it. Working on it off and on over a number of months, loosening up and treating the leather (with a non silicone treatment), it became pliable enough to then fill with fiberfill. The last step in the process was lacing, which took the better part of an hour, being my first time. It came out darn nicely. Finished it last week. The ball measures 22" in the short circumference and 27 3/4 over the long circumference.