This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2019
Presented here is a signature model Hillerich & Bradsy M110 attributed to a single season by its specifications, and there's no reason the Mick's autograph and inscription wouldn't have been applied during the AL MVP and championship season. This is the earliest Mantle signed bat we've seen come to market and the only one we've seen that bears his rare signature variation that he abandoned at the turn of the decade. Mantle's 8/10 application to the glossy wood is in ballpoint ink and manages to overcome the tricky surface.
The bat is inscribed to Ernie Sisto, legendary New York Times photographer who developed friendships with many of the Yankees during his fifty year career capturing the team on film. Sisto and Mantle must have had a significant bond as the recent triple crown winner gifted this beautiful memento to him. The bat does not exhibit any game use and measures 35.5" in length and weighs 31.9 oz. Accompanied by a full LOA from PSA/DNA (1B16772), Letter of Provenance from Barbara Sisto Wortman (daughter of Ernie Sisto) and a full LOA from PSA/DNA, Autograph (AE71385)