Type 1 – United States Flat ‘Tear Top’
| Height | 7 7/8" |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 2 7/8" |
| Production period | 1926 – 1942 |
Tip: Many data values in the above description are hot-links. For example, if you click on the 'number of balls' a new page will open will all items having the same number of balls. If you click on the the 'date' all items with that date will be produced.
Click here to return to previous page
The Type 1 flat top or “tear top” can is metal with a flat lid. The key used to open the can is usually found attached to the tab on the key wind strip, or clamped to the top. The surface of the Type 1 can is smooth from top to bottom. This American design is the most desirable type of 3 ball can among collectors as it was the first design used by manufacturers to hermetically seal tennis balls inside of metal containers. Pennsylvania Rubber Company and Wilson Sporting Goods Company were the first manufacturers to implement this style of packaging.