1930-1939 Catchers Mask Dating Guide

Heavy Carbon steel wire is now being used. Ridged 5/8" round bars are replacing the "wire mesh" masks. Double and triple wiring with Truss construction is becoming more common as well as, padding laced to to the frames. Padded chin rests are replacing the leather chin pads.

Visual Glossary


1930 Spalding HDB-1 Catchers Mask	1930-1939s 5/8" Two Bar catchers mask with Round Spitter	1937 Triple Wire Two Bar Constructed Catchers Mask

The Dating of a catcher's mask could prove to be a difficult task. Construction styles, models, or features could have been used for many years after they were introduced. In some cases you could positively date a mask to after a feature was first introduced but you might have to settle on generalizing the dating to a longer era of use. Most of the model introduced in the late 1920s, carry over into the 1930's and some are developed with only the slightest changes by the end of the decade. The thick 5'8" heavy wire two Bar mask are becoming a favorite design which allows for better vision for the catcher. Frames with two, "eye space bars" each made with Triple wire, is being introduced in 1930 and is developed throughout the decade. Truss construction frames with spitters dominate the market. Extended wire ear protections is also becoming more common.


Extra Reinforced "Safety First" Model	1930's -1940's Triple Wire Two Bar construction with ear protection.	"Safety First" model with extra reinforced wire large Chin Pad

A few loop & clip construction masks are still being sold but most of them are youth models. The development of the one piece "Light Metal" catchers masks introduced in 1921 seems to come to a halt with one basic model being sold by all the major manufactures. Instead the design is taken in the direction of a one piece molded frame with two eye space bars affixed to it. The majority of masks have Chin padding but like the loop and Clip frames, some models still use the simple chin rests. Again mostly with youth models. The use of lacing to secure the face padding to the frame is more evident.

Basically the main features with masks dated to the 1930-1939 manufacturing period are; Wide Sight truss construction, triple wire electric weld frames, heavy 5/8" two bars eye space, extended wire ear protection, and chin padding. You will also notice more lacing being used to secure the face pads to the frame.

Because it is easier to date a mask to the era when a feature was available I have listed a timeline below. You might be able to use unique features on your mask that overlap other features to narrow down the date. I have also included catalog images so you can match styles and construction characteristics like a fingerprint.

Catchers Mask Timeline

1911 D&M introduces Electric Welded steel wire construction.
1912 Reach introduces "Wide Sight" frame construction.
1914 Reach introduces "The Spitter" hole
1914 The first use of chin padding that slowly replaces chin support straps.
1916 Spalding starts to use Truss Support, and double wire construction.
1921 Aluminum one piece frame is patented by umpire James E. Johnstone.
1930 Two, "eye space bars" each constructed with three wires is patented.
1935 One piece molded frame with two "eye bars" affixed to it is patented

1930-1939 Catchers Mask Catalog Samples & Ads


1930 Spalding - 1931 Reach Catchers Masks	1930 Rawlings Wilson Reach Catchers Masks	1930-1936 Reach Goldsmith Catchers Masks	1934 Goldsmith & Wilson Catchers Mask advertising

1935 Spalding Catchers Masks	1930 Triple wire two Bar Catchers Mask Patent	1937-1939 Wilson Catchers Masks	1939 Wilson Catalog ad

1930 Rawlings "Safety First" Catchers Mask Model No. 50