1961 Wilson "Finger Lock Lacing"

[mikesglove]

There is a modern patent by Benjamin Stobbe as assignor to Wilson Sporting Goods that proved to be somewhat elusive to me. I could not easily find an actual glove example. The 1961 patent is basically a finger cinch lacing mounted above the wrist opening.

it is an interesting and clever idea and finally an example appeared on ebay, A model 2944 "Bob Grim" autograph model from 1959

note below the patent pending stamp from 1959

note below the finger lacing running through the finger stall

This 1960 Wilson catalog "Billy O'dell" model below shows only the front view but the description states the "Finger Lock Lace" as still being featured and patent pending.

One reason for the rarity of the Wilson "Finger Lock Lace" may be the Licensing of the Nokona finger loops by Wilson starting in 1961 possibly bringing to an end the Benjamin Stobbe design. Below is a 1962 Wilson Johnny Antonelli model sporting the Nokona finger loop

[mikesglove]

An interesting glove recently sold on ebay. it's a circa 1964 Wilson Al Kaline model A2224. It features finger loops at the beginning of the finger stalls so a player could partially insert his hand and still have control of the glove and thereby increase his fielding range. I couldn't find this model in a catalog. Maybe Derek knows more about this. The glove is a nice one.

[greaseape]

Sorry Mike but I am of no help on this model. I've owned one for a few years but have no information as to when it was made or if any other gloves share that particular feature.

[okdoak]

I traded a Sonnett Woodie Held with those finger loops to Brett many years ago. I always thought it was one of those neat features that just didn't catch on. This is from their 1963 catalog-

[mikesglove]

That's interesting Greg. I owned a Lightning model that didn't have the finger locks. You are probably right that it wasn't a popular feature.

[vintagebrett]

There were a number of Sonnett gloves that had that feature. In the ones I've owned, I always felt they were very uncomfortable to wear.