Auction Item Details
Lot 13
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Lot Number: 13
Description: Rare c.1908-11 Frank Chance professional model baseball bat. Spalding "Gold Medal Autograph" model bat with Chance facsimile signature impressed measures 34.75" long and weighs 43.6oz. Outstanding use with ball and cleat marks on all facets of the hitting surface. A small "x" or crucifix has been carved into the knob. Handle is cracked and appears to have been lightly scored to enhance grip. Portions of an original label (and a pair of period stamps) are affixed and clearly addressed to Hillerich and Bradsby denoting that the bat was returned to be used as a template for future orders (either by Chance himself or another player who favored this model). While sidewriting is no longer visible PSA notes that the area of the barrel on which it would have been applied was lightly planed (this would have been done at the factory, in the period, upon receipt). Through a combination of the version of the Company name on the label, and date of issuance of the postage stamps, PSA estimates the return of the bat to Louisville in 1916 or thereafter. They further note that the era of return to Louisville has no bearing on when the bat would have been used and that many players retained favored bats for many years. Chance is among baseball's most noted early 20th Century players and, alongside fellow Hall of Famers Joe Tinker and Johnny Evers, was part of one the game's most potent infield trios. Together they would lead the Cubs to (5) National League pennants and (3) World Series titles. Includes LOAs from Hunt Auctions and PSA/DNA ("GU 6"): EXEstimated Price Range: ($5,000-$10,000)
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