Question about a vintage mini-bat

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Posted By: JOHN S

I recently purchased a Cy Young Louisville Slugger mini-bat (16") at a local auction. It is in great shape and from normal aging of the wood I would guess that it might be 50+ years old. Any estimates on age/value would be appreciated. I am going to try to insert some pics. If they do not upload I can email them to anyone who is interested in helping.

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Posted By: jamie

if it's authentic and 'period' (ie made during cy's career) it could go for about 200-350 but id really neat to see a picture of it first tell you the age

if it has a picture of cy down the handle. its a commemorative bat thats worth about $12. if it's the real thing, youve got a great find

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Posted By: runscott

Here's one I picked up a while back - bought it from a man who deals almost exclusively in rare civil war estate pieces, but occasionally gets other stuff. George Evans (name on bat) was an avid baseball fan and collector who died in the early '60s, but I know nothing else about him.

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Posted By: Anonymous

John - the '40' on the bat label and the flat headed '&' between Hillerich & Bradsby both point to your bat being an earlier model. Its not obvious from the scans, but is there any wording above or beneath the center label or the 'Cy Young' - this will help with the dating also.

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Posted By: jamie

it's authentic and period- im guessing it was released during cy's playing days- probably in the early 1900's

the fact that cy was obviously more well known as a pitcher makes that a VERY unique item. given the right bidders, it could go very high at auction but ill stand by my original estimate of 200-250. it's a nice item to be sure. can i ask what you paid?

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Posted By: John S

Thanks to every one who has replied and emailed. I contacted a historian at Louisville Slugger. I was told that these types of bats were most likely produced in the 1910's and 1920's, which would be after Cy's career (unless it was produced at the very tail end). Again, any further information to pinpoint the time and reason for the production of this item would be appreciated. I am considering ebay or possibly a trade. Thanks again.