Balls were popular in the 17-19th century. However they weren’t made of leather like a modern ball. Early sports balls were wrapped  strips of fabric that were anchored to a cork 1” center wooden or cork ball. This is to achieve a round finished ball. As the strips are wrapped they are sewn together to prevent them from coming appart. Our ball are made in this manner. During the mid 19th century these types of balls were common in the game of Rounders (early baseball). Colors vary.