Auction Item Details
Lot 43
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Lot Number: 43
Description: Ty Cobb professional model baseball bat c.1913-14 - PSA "GU 7.5" Louisville Slugger model 40K bat with dash-dot-dash centerbrand and Cobb facsimile signature in the barrel measures 34" long and weighs 35.3oz. "Kork Grip Pat. Pending" is burned in just above the handle and the overwhelming majority of the factory applied cork remains in place. In addition there appears to be a light coat of gripping substance applied just after the cork ends on the upper handle. Cobb was well known to have applied tape to bats to aid in grip and was personally involved in developing the cork grip with Hillerich & Bradsby. Nice use is evident throughout with minor grain swelling (due to repeated contact) to the hitting surface and there are several ball and cleat marks visible. A slight handle crack is noted by PSA. The dating period of manufacture, 1913-14, was determined by a comparison of centerbrand characteristics and the "Pat Pending" notation (with regard to Kork Grip) which changed to the patent number awarded after approval in September of 1914. In all regards which could be measured the bat compares favorably to specific caliper measurements recorded in H&B factory records for Cobb's preferred model and weighs within acceptable tolerances for lighter bats that were made for and shipped to him. The length, 34", is half an inch shorter than one would typically expect to find on a Cobb game bat however John Taube has addressed this anomaly within the included documentation. Further, he notes that bat lengths were not dutifully recorded at this time and the 34.5" length with which Cobb is commonly associated is based only on measurements of well documented bats that have previously surfaced. A desirable bat dating to the heart of Cobb's career and the heart of a string of (13) seasons in which he lead the American League in hitting an astonishing (12) times. Includes LOAs from Hunt Auctions and PSA/DNA (GU 7.5): EXEstimated Price Range: ($7,500-$15,000)
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