This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/2/2011
High grade Ted Williams bat are exceptionally rare. Vintage signed examples do not exist. This bat boast both. For this auction, MEARS is offering one of the finest Ted Williams bat ever to enter the market.
Manufactured with the traditional 1950-60 label period, this bat can specifically be dated to the 1959-60 era due to Ted Williams's specific requests that are documented in the H&B factory records.
Ted Gets Specific
This examined bat measures 35" and currently weights 34 1/8 ounces. The bat was manufactured weighing 35 ounces, as deliberately marked on the knob in factory applied pencil. This 35 ounce weight pencil notation is key to the authenticity of this bat, as it is documented to have been personally requested to be noted by William's himself.
On May 14th, 1959, as indicated in Ted William's H&B personal records, the notation, "Mark Weight" first appears. Three orders later, Ted William's request to the factory became more specific, and his orders now appeared under the notation, "Exact Weight". This again is the only reference to this practice. By studying the records for W183, 35", 35 ounces bat, Ted Williams only ordered the following:
Exact Weights H&B Factory Records Notation (per Ted Williams H&B shipping entry)
2-10-59,W183, 35", 35 ounce (2 ash bats)
3-2-60, W183, 35", 35 ounce (3 ash bats)
Therefore, this bat is one of 5 bats ordered by Ted Williams per his H&B factory records. As a side note, this bat was included with a fresh to the hobby 1959 Ted Williams road jersey, thus supporting the 1959 entry as the most likely order.
Game Use: Carefull examination reveals this bat has medium plus game use, just shy of heavy. Use is manifested evenly throughout the entire length of the bat. The area of the handle has been carefully scored. In the area directly above the facsimile barrel signature are over one dozen overlapping ball marks. Seem marks in this area can be seen that have penetrated the surface. In the area directly below the facsimile barrel signature is another area of over one dozen overlapping ball marks. The grain is also raised in this area. Numerous seam marks are found in other areas of the bat. A distinct green rack mark (Fenway) is found on the front barrel. With medium, distinct game use clearly evident, the bat still maintains a high grade, near mint appearance. This may be due to the light, golden brown color of the ash wood. Aesthetically, this is one of the finest examples known.
Autographed Ted Williams bats are very rare. This bat was a gift to a fan, and Williams decided to add his rare autograph. Signed in period green ink, "To Ed, Best Always, Ted Williams" appears below the facsimile barrel signature. The inscription is light, but gains strength as you approach the ever important Ted Williams signature. It is with 100% certainty this bat was used and autographed during Ted Williams playing career.
"9" on knob. Advanced bat collectors actively seek the underscored 9 found on only the best Ted Williams bats. This example compares quite favorably to examples found in the MEARS database.
Final Grade (MEARS A9.5) Base grade of 5 points was awarded for bat matching H&B factory records, 2.5 points of medium + use, one point for documented uniform number matching known exemplars, one point for vintage autograph.
Collection of MEARS staff
(J0309)
(MEARS LOA)