i can humbly say, I have probably researched more on 40k Kork Grip bats than close to anyone in the world....
here are my conclusions:
I have photo or documented proof on the following Players
1. Babe Ruth
2. Ty Cobb ...(likely creator back in 1913/14)
3. Honus Wagner
4. Travis Jackson
5. Joe Sewell
as well as numerous other pro-players. Mears (Particular Dave Grob) has done extensive research as well ( in addition to being the discover-er of the Cobb Data)
Now, There are 2 ways to look at 40-k.
1. Is there any likelihood he used this pro-model Bat. I say Yes
2. How does the market respond.
Me personally, i might do alot of photo or document research prior or after purchase to see if i can put this style bat in his hands. The length and the weight match up well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mefer
Greetings All--
I am a long time reader of the forums who just signed up for an account. In any event, I found an auction on eBay for a game used Al Simmons bat. Being a collector of vintage A's items (but not yet a game used collector) this item caught my eye. However, I will admit that I am a complete novice when it comes to back collecting and that scares me. Here is the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1921-31-Al-Simmo...item563d08d6f1
Here is the bat where it previously sold:
http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/auction/lot.php?id=729
Now, what I have learned from what research that I can find is that a 40k bat is not a "pro model" bat and there are only a few scant H&B records of pros ordering such bats. I can't find any information that Simmons ever ordered a 40k bat nor could I find any pictures of him using such a bat (believe me, I tried).
Given the foregoing, I am beginning to seriously doubt this purchase would be worth. Even if graded and passed, and from what I can tell, it would appear that it would not receive anything higher than a grade of 4 or 5 (again, I am a novice at this and this is just my conclusion from what I have read).
I would kindly appreciate any insight and collective wisdom any of you more advanced collectors could shed on this.
Kind regards,
Matt |