Back Lot Number: 18  
     

Lot 18
 
Description: Presentational baseball bat and trophy ball c.1870's. Finely crafted rosewood trophy bat measures 40" long and has a silverplated ring (1 1/2" wide) around the center of the bat. At the knob, a unique fitted silverplate acorn style end is affixed to the wooden handle. The mahogany bat has been beautifully grain painted to resemble a rosewood surface. The bat retains its original unrestored surface with two minute holes on the barrel and some minor surface wear. Discovered with the bat is a very early figure eight style presentational baseball. The ball is slightly oversized with an 11" circumference and exhibits remnants of its original gilt presentational paint. Ball retains its original high quality stitching. Both items originated from the estate of a Ben Shibe family relative. In Reach Sporting Goods, Shibe and partner Al Reach built a baseball equipment company of formidable stature. Shibe later went on to build Shibe Park, and along with his family, was involved in the operations of the Philadelphia Athletics for many years. Rare original pair of 19th century baseball presentational items of the highest quality: EX
   
Estimated Price: ($5,000.00-$7,500.00)  
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