This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/27/2011
Although we were unable to find any factory records to support “The Carolina Sporting Goods” company, this Tris Speaker bat is consistent to known H&B records with respect to length, weight, and model. The wood is exceptionally high grade professional grade ash, and the barrel stamping, “SPEAKER TYPE”, is applied deeply and in a professional manner. This is the only pro quality Speaker bat from the Carolina Sporting Goods company ever examined by the staff of MEARS. Possibly issued for retail purposes, this bat possesses all of the traits associated with professional model game used bats. During the 1920s, Zinn Beck, Kren’s, Hanna Batrite, and the Louisville Mascot companies all attempted to compete against the market leader Louisville Slugger. This bat appears to be consistent with the practices of an upstart company. Also, due to the extremely limited numbers (one to be exact), this bat is not consistent with the process of mass production found on store model varieties.
At its current length of 35” and weight of 35 ounces, this bat is consistent with Tris Speaker’s H&B ordering patterns during the 1925-28 era. Also noted, the model is consistent with Speaker’s Louisville counterparts, especially the small knob characteristic.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use. Ball marks are found in clustered areas above the barrel. Over 13 deeply embedded cleat marks cover the clustered ball mark area and extends to the reverse of the barrel.
Final Grade: MEARS Authentic. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
(MEARS Auction LOA)