1950-1959 Catchers Mask Dating Guide

The one piece two-bar style catchers masks dominate the new designs showing up in the market. Unlike the previous models of the 1930's and 1940's where lacing was used, Snap on buttons are used to secure the padding to the frame. This style makes it into the 1960's but become more streamlined.

Visual Glossary


1953 Willson A3040 Catchers Mask	1950's One Piece Cast Magnesium catchers mask with Snap-On Padding	A3052 / 620 Clear Vision 1957 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. The 1950s begin with a lot of the models from the 1940s, and carry overs from the late 1930's. World War II slowed the development of new designs. One piece cast magnesium constructed frames, a style that was patented in 1935, dominates the new designs. The decade starts off with padding being laced to the frame, made popular in the 1940's but by later half, "Snap-On" buttons are used.


1950's Wilson A9906 Catchers Mask	Triple Wire Two Bar construction with ear protection. A popular mask design from the 1930s -1950's	One piece cast magnesium frame with Snap on padding

Truss construction masks are still being used and Both the heavy wire, and one piece cast frames, feature two eye bars for "Open or Clear Vision." A single bar going across the face, and the other at the forehead. By the end of the decade, and into the '60's, the One piece cast frames become more streamlined.

Basically the main features with masks dated to the 1950-1959 manufacturing period are; Open Vision, two bar face protection, one piece cast magnesium frames with bulky chin protection, and although the decade starts off with padding being laced to he frames, Snap on button padding is the new design feature of the 1950's.

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

1950-1959 Catchers Mask Catalog Samples & Ads


1951 MacGregor Catchers Masks	1951 D&M 1955 Wilson Catchers Masks	1953 Wilson Advertising Catchers Masks	1957 Rawlings 1959 Nokona Catchers Mask advertising

1950 Goldsmith Catchers Mask Patent	1957 Advertising Catchers Masks	1953 Catchers Mask Patent Top of head protection	1958 Catchers Mask Patent