[71buc]

Hunt does not say the bat in that listing is a game used bat. They describe it as “Uncracked with light evident use (in the outline of batting donut) and some general surface wear.” They do not say that this bat is game used. The listing even defers to PSA “NEED MORE INFO FROM TAUBE.” The value of this piece is that it’s a signed professional model Clemente bat. That’s apples to oranges. I assume that the reason Hunt did not use the words “game used” is that if the auction winner subsequently sends it to PSA and it is deemed authentic and not game used Hunt could be on the hook for a refund. I would think most auction houses would similarly exercise caution for the same reason.

If the owner of the bat that started this discussion were to submit this bat to an auction house without PSA he is running a large risk. If it sells for 5-7K as a professional model bat he could risk leaving a lot of money on the table. If the buyer sends it to PSA and Taube says it’s a PSA 7 it would be worth about 14K.

Let’s say he pays a grand for authentication and it returns as authentic with no game use. It then sells for 5K. Hunt charges 17.5% commission fees which is $875 leaving $4125 to the seller. Personally, I don’t like paying TPA fees. Unfortunately, it’s necessary to maximize the value when selling such a bat. I’d rather lose $875 than risk leaving up to 7K on the table. As for the authenticity of this bat based on the available information I have no opinion. The posted photos, lack of details and provenance make that impossible.