[71buc]

OK I’m a little confused. The Heritage description is for the bat in question or is that description of a different Clemente U-1? Nonetheless, it’s hard to tell based on the photos. The centerbrand dates to 1964 at the latest. There is no trademark after the R in Slugger and the "REG. U.S. PAT. OFF." is located outside the oval. That style of branding lasted until 1964. It changed in 1965. So it definitely not a late 60s bat. Clemente used light tar much of his career and applied it more heavily in the last few years of his career. The game used Clemente bats I’ve handled vary in the degree to the amount of tar. However, most seem to have at least a light bit of staining/discoloration on the handle. There is often handwritten weights on the knob. Occasionally you will find a series of grooves (scoring)he drew into the barrel in an attempt to cause back spin. It’s not unusual to see Clemente game used bats will very light use. The amount of use and possible bat rack marks on this bats barrel are tough to distinguish based on the photos.

I recently upgraded my Clemente bat and specifically looked for a bat with the attributes I described above. Although I hate to do it I’m paying John Taube PSA about a $1000 to authenticate and grade it at the National. I’m doing so for my insurance. I’d spend the money on the bat in this discussion if it were mine. The difference between a PSA authentic ungraded bat and a PSA 9-10 Clemente is thousands of dollars and well worth the investment in my humble opinion. If it’s “Game Ready” it’s worth 5-7K if it’s deemed a PSA 9-10 it could be 25K. Good luck!