1915-1916 Reach Sporting Goods Basketball Print Ad
The page from the 1917 Reach Official Basket Ball Guide details various types of basketballs and referees' whistles designed for outdoor use. Recognizing a growing demand for durable basketballs suitable for outdoor play on rough surfaces like brick and cement, the publication introduces several models. The “Official” Outdoor Basketball, priced at $6.00, is made from "Tuf-de" leather, complete with a rubber bladder, leather lace, and lacing needle. The “Regulation” model, priced at $5.00, features pebble grain cowhide leather. A more economical “Special” ball at $3.00 uses selected pebble grain sheepskin leather. The most affordable option, the “Practice” ball, is priced at $2.00 and made of brown grain sheepskin. Additionally, the page advertises two whistles for referees: the PW Nickel-Plated Heavy Metal Whistle and the EW Echo Whistle.