This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2021
1924-1930 Babe Ruth Type 100 Diamond Ace Professional Model Bat (MEARS Authentic)
Offered is a very unique, possible one of a kind, recent Zinn Beck 100 Diamond Ace discovery, of a Babe Ruth Bat. It is my opinion that MEARS has conducted more research than any other hobby entity with respect to the Zinn Beck bat company. With that experience, I am confident to state that this bat is consistent with the known examples of 100 Diamond Ace bats which were documented to have been used in the major leagues. Additionally, the barrel stamping, Babe Ruth Type, is also unique, with this being the only known example and may be direct evidence this bat was manufactured exclusively for professional use, but there is no documentation to support it. One other bat, a 1920s Honus Wagner Type, was reviewed and with that design of barrel stamping. Other examples, (much more commonly found), were branded as Player Name and then the word TYPE.
For this lot, we are offering a 36”, 37 ounce, Babe Ruth Type bat attributed as being the model used by Babe Ruth as a New York Yankee during the 1920s. Photographic evidence has surfaced documented the Yankees using the 100 Diamond Ace Zinn Beck bat during the same period of time. The 36” length is consistent with Ruth orders, and the 37 ounce weight is also consistent for Ruth professional model bats during the 1920s. Bat remains in excellent condition with bold factory stampings & moderate use. ounces
Comments: Examples of Zinn Beck have been documented through examined examples and available photogaphs. MEARS has examined the following 100 Diamond Ace centerbrands that were consistent with professional use:
100 Diamond Ace (circa 1924-30)
- W.E. White (no major league experience)
-Jack LeRoy (no major league experience)
- Billy Rhiel played for Dodgers 1929, Braves 1930
- Bechtel (no major league experience)
- Frank Walker NY Giants 1925
- Collins: last name only. Eddie, Pat, Phil, Shano or Zip (most likely Eddie Collins)
- Type of bat used by Traynor
- Type of bat used by Hornsby
- Type of bat used by Sisler
- Type of bat used by Ruth
- Lou Gehrig Ace of the Diamond
- Type of bat used by Bottomley
- Type of bat used by Meusel (Bob or Irish)
- Type of bat used by Cuyler
- Type of bat used by Bob Meusel
- Type of bat used by Johnson (Walter per comparing to Louisville Slugger example)
- Cobb Model (block letter Cobb last name only)
- Type of bat used by Cy Williams (side written Vic Ruedy 5-18-29, no major league experience)
- Type of bat used by Joe Jackson (barnstorming model)
Photographic evidence supporting Zinn Beck bats being used in the major leagues include:
MEARS database Ruth with Zinn Beck batin dugot
MEARS database Ruth with Zinn Beck bat in chair
MEARS database Gehrig with Zinn Beck bat
Exhibiting moderate use, the finish, stampings create an overall near mint example. We have never seen a Babe Ruth Type Zinn Beck model, and with the length and weight consistent with Ruth’s ordering records, this bat is consistent with what is considered a professional model bat.
Graded MEARS Authentic.
(53C0081)