This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2012
The 1927 Yankees are universally recognized as the greatest team ever. Babe Ruth set baseball history while blasting 60 homeruns and Lou Gehrig belted 47 and established himself as an equal to the Babe.
In games Gehrig homered, the Yankees went 33-7. Advanced baseball collectors all search for items from this special season.
1920s Lou Gehrig game used bats are very rare, this is only the second non-side written example examined by MEARS. (3) Side written examples have been examined; setting the total population of 1920 signature model Gehrig’s including this one at 5.
The first bid wins this lot for the opening price; the buyer’s premium does not apply.
Offered is a bat that dates to mid 1920s, and examination of the model and weight found this bat to be consistent with the 1926 & 1927 era.
Length 35”: Measuring 35”, the majority of Gehrig’s mid 1920’s personal bat records were noted as n/s, or not specified. The bats were recorded by weight. 35” is an acceptable length for Gehrig bat’s from the era.
Weight 35.3 ounces: Currently weighing 35.3 ounces, this bat is most consistent with the lower range of bats ordered by Gehrig during the era. Weight loss, average up to 3 ounces and as high as 5 ounces do occur. The lowest weights recorded for Gehrig bats during the mid 1920s was 36 ounces, and this bat is most consistent with those orders.
Model G69: This is the pro stock G69 model as preferred by Lou Gehrig and documented on his personal bat card.
Large Signature: Gehrig bats were first issued with a large “LOU GEHRIG” facsimile barrel stamping, later it was reduced to a much noticeably smaller version. This is the larger, earlier version.
Game use: Bat exhibits heavy game use with compression of the grain found both above and below the barrel stampings. The handle crack has been professionally repaired.
Final Grade: MEARS LOA, PSA/DNA 9.