Interwar Period Vintage Leather Webber Medicine Ball Sand-Filled/Stitched Panels

Interwar Period Vintage Leather Webber Medicine Ball Sand-Filled/Stitched Panels Robust, tactile, and steeped in history - a sculptural object that embodies health, discipline, and enduring design. Date: Interwar Period - between World War I and World War II Origin: UK Maker/Attributed to: Webber (stamped) Material: Stitched leather panels, filled with sand Features: Classic spherical form; visible maker’s mark; worn patina; no printed weight markings; decorative and functional weight Condition: Good vintage condition; signs of age and use consistent with its purpose; structurally sound Dimensions: H: 30cm (11.8") | W: 30cm (11.8") Weight: Approx. 5 stone / 70 lbs / 31.75 kg Delivery: Not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature before completing your order Heritage & Craftsmanship The term “medicine ball” was popularised around World War I, when naval medics used leather-filled balls for exercise, rehabilitation, and morale. By the 1930s to 1950s, medicine balls were a staple in school gyms, military training, and physical therapy - typically made of stitched leather, filled with sand or rags, and notably without printed weight markings, which only appeared in later decades. This example, stamped “Webber Medicine Ball,” is British-made and dates to the interwar period. Its hand-stitched panels, substantial weight, and absence of printed markings all point to early manufacture. It’s a rare survivor from a time when physical fitness was deeply tied to national service, educational reform, and the Classical ideal of balance between body and soul. Visual Details The leather surface shows softened edges, tonal variation, and a warm patina that speaks to decades of use. The stitching remains intact, and the spherical form is beautifully preserved. Its substantial weight and tactile surface make it a striking decorative object as well as a nostalgic nod to vintage fitness. Please examine all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of each item’s condition. These images form a crucial part of our detailed condition report, offering clear insights into the craftsmanship, patina, and quality of this piece. Styling Suggestions Ideal for a home gym, study, or masculine interior, this piece adds character and conversation. Style it on a shelf, under a console, or as part of a curated vignette with other vintage sporting items. It also makes a thoughtful gift for fitness enthusiasts, physiotherapists, or collectors of athletic memorabilia. A Legacy of Health & Healing From Persian wrestlers to Hippocrates, Galen, and Renaissance physicians, the medicine ball has long been associated with health, harmony, and healing. In Classical texts, it was praised for its ability to restore balance, invigorate the body, and cultivate virtue. The term “medicine” once meant “health” itself - and this object embodies that legacy. Whether used in military drills, school gymnasiums, or therapeutic settings, the medicine ball has always been more than equipment - it’s a symbol of resilience, discipline, and the timeless pursuit of wellbeing. Sustainable Style Thank you for considering this piece; choosing vintage items preserves craftsmanship and keeps such objects in circulation, reducing the demand for newly manufactured goods. This is both an aesthetic and environmental decision. Without the demand for restoration and conservation, the master craftsmen capable of such traditional skills will become increasingly rare. Purchase with Confidence We are an established and successful business with many happy clients from both trade and private sectors; every item is carefully selected for quality, authenticity, and character. We provide detailed photographs and honest descriptions so you can buy with complete confidence. You are warmly invited to visit our Arundel shop and/or The Vinery Showrooms to view this piece, and many others, in person. Delivery We do not include delivery in our prices, as this depends on factors such as location and access. Options include: Arrange your own collection from our address Use the Request Delivery Quote feature on the listing Email us for combined delivery quotes if purchasing multiple items Use Proovia Delivery who provide a two‑person service Export/Worldwide Shipping  Please request a quotation from any of the following, quoting the item link: Alan Smith Europe:    info@alansmitheurope.com Charlie Godwin:         guildford@packsend.co.uk Neil Curl Transport:   neil@neilcurltransport.co.uk Simon Hall Limited:  exportdesk@simonhalllimited.com