old bat question

[perezfan]

The Spalding in Heritage could go for more than double that amount. The other is a generic Bat and does not have the barrel chatacteristic.

[ksfarmboy]

The brown ringed Spalding bats are some of the earliest produced by the company. This is a pretty rare bat and the 2nd I've seen like this. Condition looks to be pretty nice. In the past the brown ringed bats have brought in the $3000-$4000 range in similar condition. The longer than 35" and the unique tapering make this a special bat if you are in the market for a truly early ring bat.

[murphusa]

Originally Posted by perezfan

The Spalding in Heritage could go for more than double that amount. The other is a generic Bat and does not have the barrel chatacteristic.

The original poster was asking for a value etc on the auction bat. From his question I got the impression he was looking for a period bat. Was new to equipment from the period and was maybe looking to supplement a collection with something from the time. The other bat fit that where the spalding costs you

[perezfan]

OK... I interpreted it a bit differently. Just thought he was looking for an estimate on its age and expected price. Not a lot of comparable exemplars to compare this one to (both in terms of style and condition). So there's a potentially wide variance for the final price.

We probably should hold off on further speculation until this auction concludes

[MGHPro]

Whats everyone opinion.. Was the Spalding bat factory made that way or done afterwards?
Matt

[khkco4bls]

Does that model appear in a catalogue.

[perezfan]

If 1880s is really accurate, it may be hard to find a Catalogue with that image. JD's website has some wonderful old catalogues in its Library archives. Will check to see if they go back that far...

[1880nonsports]

if I somehow posted an inappropriate "outing" thread given that it is about a bat in a current auction. On our sister side it is pretty much acceptable to legitimately question and explore a lot listing in a major auction house. I don't own it - don't know who does - have no axe to grind with the seller - not associated with the AH in any way - just trying to learn from them what's gots the know-how.
Looking for thoughts as I want to include a nice example of an early bat with my stuff. I thought this was a good candidate for me as it has a great look and isn't just some run of the mill generic early bat - I feel the Spalding stamping makes it a little more special, giving it an air of legitimacy. It's important to me that my bat be 1880's or earlier. I know little about bats other than what I've gleaned from a couple of my equipment reference books - I will be re-visiting them later today. Curious why the stamping might not be legitimate?
Thanks to all who have responded so far. Hope to hear more thoughts. I've learned a good deal here - I've tried to contribute where I can to make it a reciprocal arrangement - looking forward to whatever might be added to this thread as I ponder the acquisition. If it isn't to be THIS bat - likely it will be something similar. Knowledge is power. If you have a beautiful early bat at a price the majority of informed collectors would agree was fair - I suppose I'm listening - unless that too is against the rules - in which case my fingers are in my ears......