1908-11 Frank Chance Spalding Gold Medal Autograph Pro Model Bat PSA DNA

Description: 1908-11 Frank Chance Spalding Gold Medal Autograph Pro Model Bat PSA DNA Offered is a Circa 1908-11 Frank Chance Spalding Gold Model “Players’ Autograph” model professional bat. Spalding bats were undoubtedly used by players at the Major League level. This has been verified by period photography and record of these bats being found in the vaults of Louisville Slugger after having been used by Major League players and returned to Louisville Slugger as models to produce similar bats. Spalding catalogs of the period spoke specifically to major league usage: “For over thirty years we have turned out special model bats to suit the leading player of the prominent professional leagues.” The ad goes on to discuss manufacturing for the retail trade: “In order to satisfy the ever increasing demand from our customers for bats of the same models as used by the leading player, we have obtained permission from many of the leading batters of the county to include in our line of high grade bats…” Qualifying a Spalding “Players’ Autograph” Bat as being a Professional Model: While a handful of “Gold Medal Players Autograph” Frank Chance bats have been preserved for the last 100 years; those that are revered for possible player specific game use are the handful that closely match the length and weight that he used. We are fortunate to have Frank Chance call out in his own words what he prefers. On the Spalding Ad for these bats he states: “This is a very large bat with a thick handle. Bats supplied will not weigh less than 45 ounces or over 48 ounces. Length about 35 inches.” As bats from this period have been known to lose 5+ ounces the authenticators concluded this specific bat’s 34.75 inches and 42.7 ounce weight would point to the fact that this bat in fact could have been ordered by Frank Chance for on field use. While late career 1912 “Autograph” model Spalding bats are rare in their own right, only 4 other “Gold Medal Players Autograph” Frank Chance bats have traded hands at public auction over the last 10 years detailed as follows: Pro Model Frank Chance Bats Sold at Public Auction Source Date Labeling Brand Model Length Weight Grade Offered Bat Circa 08 Spalding Gold Medal 34.75 42.8 PSA GU 6 REA Spr 15 Circa 08 Spalding Gold Medal 34.5 44.5 PSA Auth Hunt Nov 21 Circa 08 Spalding Gold Medal 34.75 43.6 PSA GU 6 Heritage Feb 2023 Circa 08 Spalding Gold Medal 34.5 44.1 PSA GU 6 REA Summ 23 Circa 08 Spalding Gold Medal 34.75 49.7 PSA GU 6 \ Game Use: The bat was examined by PSA DNA Authenticators. Based on this examination it was noted the bat exhibits evidence of outstanding use with a slight crack on the handle and two small chips on the knob. There is also some checking (grain swelling) from repeated ball contact on the back of the barrel. Many ball marks are visible on the left, right and back barrel. The handle had been taped, but the tape has been removed and shadow of the tape application is still visible on the handle. Making this more desirable the labeling period of the Gold Medal Spalding bats places it in Chance’s hand during the heart of his career including possible use in 1908 when the Cubs won their back to back World Series Championships. Conclusion: We concur with PSA DNAs ultimate conclusion: “After a thorough examination of this Frank Chance professional model bat and its player use characteristics, It is our opinion that this bat is authentic, and was game used by Chance during the referenced labeling period. The bat exhibits outstanding use and possesses identifiable player use characteristics.” While the identifiable player use characteristics could have yielded a higher grade, this bat presents with a “NYSVE” brand over the facsimile signature of Frank Chance. This resulted in bringing the assigned grade down to PSA DNA GU 6. A rare and desirable Frank Chance professional model bat.

Price: 3499 USD

Location: Saint John, Indiana

End Time: 2025-02-04T20:49:36.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5.25 USD