Clarification of Ty Cobb Decal bat

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Posted By: Troy R. Kinunen

This is the image SCDA and Dave Bushing based his opinion letter on regarding the Ty Cobb decal bat which is the subject of this post. The bat was also compared to dealer store model catalogs which Dave Bushing has on file. This bat is not listed as a store model bat. Copies from these are availabe upon request. Store model decal bats started with a number 40, i.e. 40TC for Ty Cobb. This bat was a pre model number and no catalog version from this labeling period (1911-16)has ever been recorded. Also, decal bats or store model bats made available to the general public were issued in even lengths, i.e. 33", 34", 35. This bat was issued as a half inch 33 1/2". Finally, the bat was made out of a high quality professional grade ash. The type of wood made available to professional players. An independent lab was not brought into examine the quality of the wood, but Mr. Bushing has personally inspected thousands of bats, both game used and store model. Professional grade wood has a look and feel to it that experience can definetely distinguish. Store model bats were made of lower quality wood, which sold for less money in order to attract customers. Dave Bushing has spent 10 years in the study of decal bats and after studying all of the facts available to him, he is confident that when a bat bearing a decal matches the above criteria, it can in fact be deemed a game used bat. SCDA looks forward to educating the collecting community about game used bats and all documentation and methods are made available to all interested parties that are truly interested in learning more about collecting game used equipment.

Troy R. Kinunen
SCD Authentic, Director of Authentication