by BretMan » August 22nd, 2007, 4:21 pm
Spalding used a four-digit model number on their gloves from 1953 through 1960, so you are right on with your age estimate.
The 1153 model was endorsed by several players during those years. One was Joe Dimaggio- now that would have been a great find! Two others were Al Dark and Sam Mele. The Smith model seems to be from 1958.
Quality-wise, the 1153 was a low-end glove. The retail price was only about six bucks. In contrast, top-line Spalding gloves sold for about 30 dollars in that era.