[Ronnoco]

I found an approximately 1860s excised ring bat (the rings were actually cut raised) in its original red paint in a Maine barn in 2004. The 36" bat had been left barrel side down in a corner for many years, so it had some condition problems caused by standing water at its tip. It was still one of the most unique and oldest items I've ever owned, and I cherished it for about five years when financial circumstances forced me to let it go. I had paid about twenty dollars for the bat, and I believe I received close to $1650 when I sold it--condition problems and all. Circumstances improved drastically almost immediately after I sold the bat, but the buyer would not reconsider, even with a $700 bump for less than two weeks of ownership. I can't blame him, though. I've owned lots of memorabilia worth a whole lot more, but nothing was so wonderful as swinging that rotten old bat in my basement. I haven't sold a 19th century ring bat since (and I'm always looking for more!)