This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/5/2013
Increasingly rare, this War Department bat was manufactured to Ty Cobb’s professional specifications during the 1917-18 era.
The Army heavily promoted baseball as a way to improve moral for the troops, and to raise money for the home based rotary clubs. The exact purpose and time of application of the War Department stamp is unknown, but is found on bats of this era- mostly of superstars such as Cobb, Jackson, Speaker, etc.
Model C28: Described as having a small knob with consistent taper towards the barrel end, this bat was favored by Cobb, and designated in his H&B factory records as the C28 model.
Length 33”: Documented Cobb gamers were recorded via his ledger and factory record entries at 34-35”. Variations of those lengths have entered the hobby.
Weight 37 ounces: Cobb ordered bat weighing 36-42 ounces throughout his career. This bat is consistent with recorded Cobb bat weight.
Use: Bat exhibits heavy use. Deadwood is found on both the front and reverse of barrel. A 6” crack appears on the handle. One ringlet of tape is found on the handle. A chip is found on the knob.
Final Grade: MEARS Authentic
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(E0705)