This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2010
According to the Louisville records and the center brand on this particular bat, the only record for orders of this model bat date to the team records of 1959 (34" not mentioned, team records show some in 1947 but this is a 1950-60 era center brand. The bat is a signature model R43 that measures 34" and weighs 34 oz. In addition to the team records, there is a record in Berra's personal account that calls for a shipment of 34" R43 models in 1956 but that record had a line drawn through it (it is my opinion, much like the Mel Ott records that show a line drawn through an order of 34.5" O16 bats in 1947, that these were repetitive orders for bats already sent out in the team orders, hense personal order was cancelled). As for game use, the bat has seen loads of service with ball marks present on each side of the bat but primarily on top and back with some light grain separation along the top and back of barrel. There is a slight 3" non-separating crack in the handle visible in the front. There are a few small chips on the back of the handle.
Collection of MEARS staff.