This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2011
Offered is not only one of the rarest striped stenciled bats we have ever encountered given the fact that it was issued as an advertising promotion to be given away but it is in unheard of condition as well. There are a few minor scuffs and scrapes on the painted surfaces but it remains in at least 90% original paint condition. The bat shows no real game use, simply wear from over a hundred years in storage. The Continental Clothing House stamp is perfect as well. The purpose of these bats was the same as the far more commonly found Buster Brown shoes or Poll Parrot. They were given to purchasers of new clothing as a buyer incentive. This particular bat is painted with red, blue and black stripes. The bat measures 32" in length and weighs 27 oz and of course, shows no actual game use which is really unusual since it was made for a boy to play with. It is hard to imagine that in 1890, this bat was given to a youth after his parents purchased some clothing, only to be laid away in some closet for 120 years having never seen the sandlots for which it was intended.
(MEARS Auction LOA)