This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/14/2010
In spite of his contentious demeanor Ty Cobb proved to be an accommodating autograph signer throughout his life. Interestingly, as abundant as examples of his signature are on objects such as baseballs, photos, checks, letters and other paper items, it is exceptionally rare to find his autograph on a bat. This stands to reason to some degree due to logistical limitations of transporting such an object, but the extreme rarity of Cobb signed bats seems to exceed the rationale of logistics alone.
Presented here is one of the finest Ty Cobb autographed objects we have ever encountered, combining the elements of rarity, condition and presentation quality to an unfathomable degree. The medium is a hefty 34 ¾ inch H&B Ty Cobb signature model bat that has many characteristics in common with the clubs wielded by Cobb during his playing career including length, weight, wood quality, handle type, etc. The factory markings suggest, however, that the bat was likely produced in the 1930’s or ‘40’s. Given the bat’s original owner provenance and our knowledge of the friendship between Cy Jones and Ty Cobb, it is understandable that Cobb took special care in his placement and execution of the inscription that resides on the heart of the barrel. Cobb’s non-personalized salutation, “With Best Wishes Sincerely Ty Cobb 1/14/49” is rendered in black ink and has warranted a rating of “10” by PSA/DNA. The bat itself shows very light evidence of handling throughout and appears to have never been used. Relative to Cobb single signed baseballs of parallel quality and condition, this is infinitely more rare. We doubt that a finer Ty Cobb autographed display piece exists. Includes a full LOA from PSA/DNA (auto. Grade 10).