Need Help With This Possibly Shoeless Joe Used Barnstorming Bat
 

I found this bat at the Swap Meet this morning for $1 and I need some help in determining if what I have is the real deal. I've done some research on it but I am in no way in expert, the Jackson on the barrel, logo for Louisville Slugger which matches the time period and the model 125j which was not sold in the stores in the 30's matches the examples of the barnstorming bats that I have seen sold in auction. The only thing that makes me nervous is the fact it has a 34 on the knob of the bat. The other 2 examples had a 35 on the bat.

Thanks for the help
Blake

Bat
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156240182@N02/28303820539/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bat"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/28303820539_b3be689e62_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Bat"></a><script async src="//embed

Knob
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156240182@N02/28303878959/in/dateposted-public/" title="Knob"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4713/28303878959_b4b7a96631_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Knob"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Barrell
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156240182@N02/39373398694/in/dateposted-public/" title="Barrell"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4650/39373398694_5ab9b983f0_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Barrell"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Logo
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156240182@N02/39373401954/in/dateposted-public/" title="Logo"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4624/39373401954_24fe32ee91_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Logo"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Knob
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156240182@N02/28303878959/in/dateposted-public/" title="Knob"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4713/28303878959_b4b7a96631_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Knob"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That's a store model but still a great pick up for $1

Anyone else? I am thinking about sending it into Mears and need some advice on it?

I'm thinking it is the real deal based off of these 2 auctions which are both Mears Authenticated and share similar characteristics to mine all be it mine is in much worse shape.

https://goldinauctions.com/1933_34_J...s-LOT8104.aspx

http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.co...-lot86360.aspx (for some reason this link only works by viewing it on a phone)

Matt is 100% correct. Store model.

No need to send this one to Mears. Save your time and money.

The MEARS A7 bat is interesting. Yours has a couple of markings like that one that are ordinarily clear signs of a retail bat -- but MEARS says that their bat is an exception. Still, your bat doesn't seem to have the same professional finish and good stamping as theirs does. If I were you, I would call them to discuss the bat, and I'd ask how they would value it and what fee they would charge to grade it. If it isn't very much, then I'd send it in to find out what they say. If you do, let us know what they say.

I still can't get how Mears could authenticate those bats as game used

Your bat appears to have the "Powerized" stamping to the right of the center brand.
Patented in 1931 by H&B and first appearing as "Powerized and Bone Rubbed" in 1932 (this stamping is exclusive to 1932 only), "Powerized and Oil Tempered" appears on Louisville bats in 1933 and 1934, leaving 1935 for production of your bat at the earliest. Jackson turned 48 in 1935, leaving very little possibility of "barnstorming" use.

I hope this info helps...



Brent

I always raise an eyebrow when a company authenticates AND sells the same things. Hmmmmm ... I am not saying they do anything wrong but it's not much of an arms length transaction, if ya' know what I mean. And I would take a few members opinions on this board over MEARS too. Good luck with the bat. It looks like one we used to play street ball with.

I thank you all for your help! You are making me a more informed collector! I’m wondering if anyone can give me a value for it? I’m hoping it’s at least worth more than the $1 I paid for it!