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19th Century Spalding Wagon Tongue Stenciled Baseball Bat
Exceptional Spalding "Wagon Tongue" bat dates from the 1890s and has a phenomenal look. Measuring 35" and weighing roughly 35 ounces, Spalding created the original model in the 1800s as they were originally made from hickory wood used as wagon tongues on covered wagons. While later versions were made in ash, a few factors indicate that this rare specimen is from that first iteration. The bat has model No. 000 below the trademark stamp, and one of its selling points was a "patented rough handle" of which remnants can be seen, though later restoration has filled in those holes. Additionally, the key identifying feature is "Pat. Appr For" stamped to the left of the trademark; this was only present on the first models. Some of the black stampings have been slightly touched up and the very end of the bat where the tip has been stenciled has a bit of repainting. Great historical import as well, as A.G. Spalding took his post-baseball playing career and turned it into a fledgling sporting goods business, which included manufacturing goods for public use and is widely considered to be a pioneer of the industry, and this stands as one of its earliest offerings.
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1943 Zulu Cannibal Giants Negro League Broadside
1945 Chicago American Giants Negro League Broadside
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1940’s New York Cuban Stars Pin & Pennant