Vintage Mini Bat Questions

[aelefson]

Hi-
I recently acquired the Zephyrs mini bat scanned below and I was wondering if someone might be able to help with some questions I have regarding this bat and early mini bats in general.
1. Approximately when was the bat scanned below made?
2. Any idea what town or league the Zephyrs were in (I purchased this in Alliance OH)?
3. How old is the oldest known mini bat? I saw the ca 1910s salesman sample ones in a recent auction, but was curious if these were produced prior to then as well. If you have early ones, please post them!
4. Any additional information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Alan Elefson
aelefson@hotmail.com

[WWGjohn]

The most well known zephyrs team is the current New Orleans Zephyrs which started in Kansas City in 1901. The style of the bat would place it from the 1870's to early 1880's. I'm sure there have been other Zephyrs teams, though.
Maybe other readers can help in this area.

John

[aelefson]

Thanks John! I thought the style of the bat dated it as you stated but I have never seen a mini bat that old before. No matter when it is from or what team it depicts, I certainly like it (especially for the price I paid!).
Thanks again,
Alan