1912 J.A. Peach catchers mitt
Posted: November 19th, 2010, 2:41 pm
John Peach invented a new type of reinforcement to the wrist opening of catchers mitts called the "bifurcated patch". The usual reinforcement was through extra stitching or a rivet. The Reach mitt below shows the two rivets on either side of the wrist opening. This particular example is in great shape but many mitts rip at this point even with the reinforcing rivets.
The "bifurcated patch" was simply a circular leather patch sliced part way forming a slot to both surround and overlap the end of the wrist opening. It was an interesting and clever idea since the patch provided and extra layer of leather to stitch and eased the stress point at the end of the wrist opening. description from a J.A.Peach ad below