1903 Cy Young cane on eBay

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by scooter729

I just noticed a 1903 Cy Young presentational cane on eBay - not sure about the authenticity of this one.

link

For starters, the Red Sox didn't go by the Red Sox name until several years after 1903 - they were called the Pilgrims or Americans at the time. In addition, in 1903 it wouldn't have been called the "World Series" - more likely would be "championship series" or "world's series."

Since the bidding already is at $3k, I wanted to at least share what I know...

Scott S@ri@n

Good observations. Maybe it was presented several years later, maybe many years later, in celebration of that victory and the only Boston World Series he pitched in. The term World Series wasn't used until the late teens.

[rhettyeakley]

Not the best quality engraving on this piece, actually it is pretty horrendous. I have no idea of the provenance but I'm skeptical that that is an authentic item.

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

Not the best quality engraving on this piece, actually it is pretty horrendous. I have no idea of the provenance but I'm skeptical that that is an authentic item.

I thought that when I saw the engraving as well. You would think that the "TO" would be centered. It looks amateurish.

[ooo-ribay]

I think it may be "real" but presented by some unofficial group. I sometimes wonder whether an item like this was at all treasured or used by the recipient. For me, a cane from the Podunk City Chamber of Commerce would be way, way, way less valuable than something issued by a team or league.

[ramram]

Reading the description, I might get the impression that the Sports Auctions that he mentions did not feel comfortable taking it for their auction.

Rob M

[scooter729]

Originally Posted by ramram

Reading the description, I might get the impression that the Sports Auctions that he mentions did not feel comfortable taking it for their auction.

Rob M

Exactly what I was thinking.

I did send the information I posted to the seller last night - we'll see if he does anything to amend / update his listing based on that. I'm guessing he actually might, since he does list a 100% money back guarantee, but we shall see.....

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I think it may be "real" but presented by some unofficial group. I sometimes wonder whether an item like this was at all treasured or used by the recipient. For me, a cane from the Podunk City Chamber of Commerce would be way, way, way less valuable than something issued by a team or league.

This is what I am thinking. Someone from West Bumscrew wanted ol' Cy to attend their community day at some point well after he retired and this was a kindly gesture for him. I would also agree that value is greatly compromised without a trail of ownership. He may have given to someone before leaving the event for all we know. Still a neat item. Not something I would be interested in for anywhere near its current price though.

Tom C

[jhs5120]

It would make sense that they presented Cy Young with a cane during his later years. You don't really give a 35 year old athlete a cane as a present. This cane might originate from as late as the 1940's. It would be interesting to know whether there was an anniversary game or some sort of pregame ceremony for Young.

[vintagesportscollector]

While I agree it would make sense that they presented Cy Young with a cane during his later years, it’s not true that you wouldn’t really give a 35 year old athlete a cane as a present, back then. Today canes are primarily regarded for Orthopedic use, but back then Canes were used very widely as a fashion statement and for ceremony.