MEARS Auction #64, Ends May 31st, 2014, 9:00 CST w/ 15-Minute Rule Per Lot

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Lot #33:

1956-59 Eddie Mathews Milwaukee Braves Signed H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Bat (MEARS LOA/JSA)

Edwin Lee Mathews had a pretty good run with this baseball bat. From 1956-59, the era this bat was shipped to him, he hit 146 of his career 511 HR’s, won two pennants (1957 & 1958), and the 1957 World Series.

This bat is highly desired by collectors because it is documented to have been ordered in his personal H&B bat records. High grade Mathews bats have dried up in the marketplace, and this is the first high quality example MEARS Auctions has seen in some time.

Date: Per the center brand and the timespan the model S2 was ordered, this bat was produced by Hillerich & Bradsby and shipped to Mathews during the 1956-59 era.

Length: At 35”, the S2 model bat was documented as being used by Mathews during the era.

Weight: Currently weighing 31 ounces, Mathew’s records document he ordered bats weighing 32-34 ounces. This bat would fall within that range with an acceptable one ounce weight loss taken into consideration.

Player traits: Mathews #41 appears on the knob in period ink. The application, presence and style of the 41 is consistent with other 41 numbers found on documented Mathews game bats.

Game Use: Examination reveals the bat contains heavy game use. Deep seated stitch and ball marks are found above the barrel. Additional heavy ball marks are found below the barrel. Some deeper cleat like marks on found on the reverse. A small section of deadwood is found directly to the right of the center brand, and most likely was the cause for this war club to transform from battle ax to souvenir.

Autograph: The bat was signed by Mathews for our consignor.

Provenance: Our consignor’s father was personally gifted this bat by a Milwaukee Braves clubhouse attending circa 1958-59. It has been in the family’s possession ever since, and this is the first time it has been offered to the hobby.

Final Grade (MEARS A9.5): 5 base points were assigned for the bat matching factory records. 3 points were assigned for bat having heavy game use (ball marks, deep stitch marks, deadwood). 2 points assigned for documented player traits/provenance. Minus ½ for the deep stitch mark on reverse and deadwood. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS (64R0483)

LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS

(JSA Auction Letter)