Spalding Ring bat - corked?

[vintagesportflips]

Hey guys,
I posted in the pickups thread a group of bats I picked up. The one that intrigues me the most in the group is a Spalding ring bat. The bat is a little over 35 inches long, and when I looked at it at the auction house, I was struck with how light it was. I loved the applied twine grip - its held in place in a few areas wtih period square headed nails. After I won the bat and had a chance to study it closer, first I noticed there were no lathe marks present. Then at closer inspection at the barrell and knob ends, I noticed there is a different look/texture in a circular pattern at the center of both ends. I am more knowledgable in the area of 19th century football, but don't know baseball bats that well. Did they cork bats in the 19th century? If so, how common or rare are these corked bats? This would explain how such a thick handled, solid bat being so light. Also, am I right to date this bat to the 1880's period?
Thanks in advance for any help from the bat guys on here.