Auction Item Details
Lot 173
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 173
Description: Superb Joe DiMaggio professional model baseball bat c.1946-47. Louisville Slugger 125 model bat measures 35 7/8" long (just a hair under 36") and weighs 35.6 oz. The bat shows exceptional use including ball marks, stitching impressions, grain swelling, and rack marks. Knob end is absent from any model number stamping. There is a small amount of period staining to the end of the handle/knob area which appears likely to be tobacco juice of some sort, which, could easily be removed but was left intact with regard to the originality of the bat. The bat originates from the family of a contractor who resided in Asbury Park, New Jersey during the 1950s era. The contractor counted New York Yankee and DiMaggio teammate George "Snuffy" Stirnweiss as one of his former clients. The Stirnweiss family resided in nearby Red Bank, NJ and became acquainted with the contractor through their work relationship. In 1958, Snuffy Stirnweiss was tragically killed when his train derailed and went off the Newark Bay Bridge. According to family history, after the tragedy Mrs. Stirnweiss became understandably distraught and began giving away some of her late husband's baseball materials. This particular bat was given to the contractor by Mrs. Stirnweiss directly. Included with the bat is a detailed letter of provenance from the widow of the contractor who vividly recalls the occasion on which her late husband received the bat and relayed its special history to her family. Based on comparisons with the Hillerich & Bradsby bat ordering records this particular -Rudy York+ style bat was most likely used by DiMaggio during the 1946-47 period. Absolutely outstanding DiMaggio game bat which is one of the finest to have entered the collecting marketplace. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions and letter of provenance from the family of the original recipient: EXEstimated Price Range: ($20,000-$30,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register