This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2020
ADDENDUM: Manufacturing date has been updated.
Presented here is a Ty Cobb full-size decal bat manufactured by J.F. Hillerich & Son (a.k.a. Louisville Slugger) with "Trademark Reg. U.S. PAT OFF" present below the center brand. This version of the center brand with "Co." added to "J.F Hillerich & Son" dates to the 1911-16 period per the Louisville, KY company's records. Ty Cobb signed his exclusive bat contract with H&B on October 13, 1908. The vintage, un-cracked ash bat measures 33" in length and weighs a whopping 41.7 ounces with an early flare knob and round barrel consistent with Cobb's known specifications. It is absent of any black tape on the handle, which the Georgia Peach was prone to use, but does have some red paint transfers and what resembles cleat marks on the barrel. Judged by the smooth, clean look of the handle, we cannot confirm any actual use by Cobb. It is likely a presentation bat as almost all full-size decal bats were for players, produced for Cobb per his H&B contract and then decorated with a colorful, artistic pictographic image of him and his name on the barrel.
Early 1900's decal bats remain a novelty in the hobby, with the smaller souvenir versions much more common. Full-size examples like this are especially desireable among collectors and can demand steep prices. The mystique surrounding their actual use in games will always be up in the air until a photo of a bonified MLB player using the bat in action surfaces. What makes this one stand out is the well-preserved portrait image of Cobb on the barrel with "Ty Cobb Uses the Louisville Slugger Bat Exclusively." On almost every full-size example, the barrel decals have faded off and are no longer visible. One of the finer Cobb examples you will find.