In our companies history, MEARS has evaluated three 40K Babe Ruth bats, including this example. Per our database, this is the first example to measure 36" and weigh 40.2 ounces, both consistent with available Ruth factory records for the era.
Dating 1922-30: Per the MEARS bat labeling database, this bat is consistent with the overall range of bats being produced from 1922-30. According to the book, "A Complete Reference Guide Louisville Slugger Professional Player Bat" by Vince Malta, the centerbrand of this bat is consistent with the C-5A reference, page 17, which would date the bat as a 1925 to 1930 era. With no specific reference to this bat in Ruth's personal records, we are dating this to the wider label range.
Length 36": According to Babe Ruth's personal H&B ordering records, he specifically requested 36" bats to be shipped to him throughout the entire 1922-30 era. This bat's length matches Babe Ruth's H&B shipping records with respect to length during this label period.
Weight 40.2 ounce: According to Babe Ruth's personal H&B ordering records, Ruth specifically requested 40-43 ounce bats to be shipped to him throughout the entire 1922-30 era. This bat's weight matches Babe Ruth's H&B shipping records with respect to weight ordered during this label period.
Barrel Signature: The facsimile barrel signature was manufactured using the 2nd version of his barrel signature. This is consistent with the timeframe of 1922-30.
40K model: It has been established that Babe Ruth did indeed order 40K Kork Gripped bats along with other major league stars. The MEARS image of Joe Jackson with the 40K grip allows for photographic verification. The inclusion of Harry Davis & Lew Fonseca in the group allows for us to establish that 40K bats were supplied to non-Hall of Famers. All of the above-examined bats were also consistent with respect to model to their 125 H&B examples. There is also a specific factory record for Babe Ruth ordering Kork Grip bats during the 1921 season. It appears in the factory record as:
Tom Griffith, 8/9/21, with kork grip
This ledger entry verifies the fact that Babe Ruth did indeed request order of bats with the kork grip application. The records are incomplete for additional Ruth 40K bat orders, but this is the first Ruth 40K bat examined by MEARS that matches Ruth length and weight requests for the era.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use. Over one dozen large cleat marks are scattered throughout the bat barrel.
Condition: The cork has been removed from the handle. There is one small piece of deadwood missing from reverse of barrel.
Final Grade: 5 points were awarded for bat being consistent with a model ordered by Ruth (40K), and the length, weight, and model being consistent with factory records. Minus 3 points for missing handle cork, deadwood on reverse, and divots on barrel surface.
Conclusion: One of three 40K bats examined by MEARS, and the only example conistent with model, length, and weight ordered by Babe Ruth during the 1922-30 period.