Reader of this forum for a couple of years, first time poster, hope someone has some advice. I am looking for recommendations on where to sell, what to expect etc. on a leather bat that a customer brought into my small card store. It is featured in a photo captioned 1885 Southern Illinois Champions, so it is at least that old. Any information anyone could provide would be helpful. I DID send scans and pedigree to Mastro auction, and have not heard from them since. Just trying to help an older gentleman from getting ripped off. Thanks in advance, and here are a couple of the scans.

the bat



some info



the team photo with the bat in front, lower right

Lelands.com and RobertEdwardauctions.com are also worthwhile auction houses for the bat. You might ask bat expert Dave Bushing at mearsonline.com for input on the bat.

Definitely a really unusual folk-art type trophy bat. By trophy bat I mean it was probably more of a presentational thing than a bat that was actually used. I've never seen anything quite like it though. Having the photo with the bat pictured is big bonus. Cant go wrong with any of the auctions mentioned. I'm sure they would all love to have it.

Defiantly a 1880s period bat, most likely as stated above Folk-art or Americana hand made through a local tradesman. The bat is a very neat item, and I could help you research the item. The photo is most likely the most important documentation you have, so you can study the detail. My website is www.jbsportsauctions.com







I would be glad to help you out or I can refer you to someone at the above auction companies







Jimmy