1903 Cy Young cane on eBay

[scooter729]

I just noticed a 1903 Cy Young presentational cane on eBay - not sure about the authenticity of this one.

link

For starters, the Red Sox didn't go by the Red Sox name until several years after 1903 - they were called the Pilgrims or Americans at the time. In addition, in 1903 it wouldn't have been called the "World Series" - more likely would be "championship series" or "world's series."

Since the bidding already is at $3k, I wanted to at least share what I know...

Scott S@ri@n

[David Atkatz]

The team nick name was "Pilgrims." "Americans" referred to the fact that they were Boston's AL team--the Braves were referred to as the "Nationals." Same in New York, as it had a team in each league, too. The Highlanders were referred to as "Americans," the Giants as "Nationals." Neither Americans nor Nationals was a team nick name, though, in the sense that "Pilgrims," "Braves," Highlanders," or "Giants" were.

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by scooter729

I just noticed a 1903 Cy Young presentational cane on eBay - not sure about the authenticity of this one.

link

For starters, the Red Sox didn't go by the Red Sox name until several years after 1903 - they were called the Pilgrims or Americans at the time. In addition, in 1903 it wouldn't have been called the "World Series" - more likely would be "championship series" or "world's series."

Since the bidding already is at $3k, I wanted to at least share what I know...

Scott S@ri@n

Good observations. Maybe it was presented several years later, maybe many years later, in celebration of that victory and the only Boston World Series he pitched in. The term World Series wasn't used until the late teens.

[rhettyeakley]

Not the best quality engraving on this piece, actually it is pretty horrendous. I have no idea of the provenance but I'm skeptical that that is an authentic item.

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

Not the best quality engraving on this piece, actually it is pretty horrendous. I have no idea of the provenance but I'm skeptical that that is an authentic item.

I thought that when I saw the engraving as well. You would think that the "TO" would be centered. It looks amateurish.

[ooo-ribay]

I think it may be "real" but presented by some unofficial group. I sometimes wonder whether an item like this was at all treasured or used by the recipient. For me, a cane from the Podunk City Chamber of Commerce would be way, way, way less valuable than something issued by a team or league.

[ramram]

Reading the description, I might get the impression that the Sports Auctions that he mentions did not feel comfortable taking it for their auction.

Rob M

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I think it may be "real" but presented by some unofficial group. I sometimes wonder whether an item like this was at all treasured or used by the recipient. For me, a cane from the Podunk City Chamber of Commerce would be way, way, way less valuable than something issued by a team or league.

This is what I am thinking. Someone from West Bumscrew wanted ol' Cy to attend their community day at some point well after he retired and this was a kindly gesture for him. I would also agree that value is greatly compromised without a trail of ownership. He may have given to someone before leaving the event for all we know. Still a neat item. Not something I would be interested in for anywhere near its current price though.

Tom C