Can I get a Mantle bat opinion?

[JoeDfan]

I ran across this image, and it fits the right time period for my Mick bat.

I am obviously not an objective observer, so I thought maybe I could get some opinions. It's probably nothing, but I just wanted to check.

I figure someone will keep my imagination from running wild.

Thanks everyone.
Sean

[ooo-ribay]

It could well be game used, but I wouldn't put much stock in the "photo match."

[JoeDfan]

Thanks. I actually found the exact date of the game, so I am searching to see if I can find a better, far less blurry, photo.

[yanks12025]

Can we see more pictures of the bat?

[JoeDfan]

Here is the bat. Picked it up on eBay about a year ago, if I recall correctly. Looks like it originally came from a Mears auction, and they dated it from 1961 -64. They said it wasn't in his personal ordering records, so the use cannot be attributed to him.
I read that Spline bats were test bats sent directly to the teams to experiment with, rare, and not available in stores. So that is pretty neat. I also have a Yogi Berra one.
Currently a wall hanger, but who knows? Maybe I can find a better photo match someday.
This blurry photo is from 1963 (World Series, actually). So the time frame fit. I wasn't actively looking for a match, but when I saw it, of course my imagination starts meandering, so I thought I would get some objective thoughts.

[MVSNYC]

Not a photo match, sorry.

Maybe reach out to John Taube (PSA/DNA), see how much he would charge for a quick opinion. My guess is this amounts to a team index bat, and use connected to MM would be very tough to confirm.

Cool looking, though.

[murphusa]

experimental bat with no proof of use by player listed. Worth $350.00 to $500.00

[JoeDfan]

Thanks guys.
I appreciate your opinions.

I don't want to take it to Mr. Taube without a REALLY good photo. From everything I have read about Splines, basically the LOA would read "sent to the team for experimental use by the players", etc., not attributable to any one player...
Since I already know that, I would probably only send it to PSA if/when I get a clear match.

Until then, it will just have to remain a super duper cool wall hanger, that just possibly could have been used/looked at/spit on by Mick.

[MVSNYC]

Taube doesn't need you to find a photo, he can look at the bat and instantly tell you what it is, or what it isn't. Just was saying, could be worth it, if his fee is nominal...not sure what he'd charge for a quick opinion.

But either way, as you said, it's a great display piece.

[MGHPro]

What's the length ?

[JoeDfan]

34"

[daves_resale_shop]

Awesome bat Sean!

[JoeDfan]

Thanks!