Joe DiMaggio Limited-Edition Signed "1941" Bat

Sold For:

$2,644

Year:

1990

Auction:

2010 Spring

Lot #:

1118

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Special limited-edition Joe DiMaggio signature-model Hillerich & Bradsby bat signed by Joe DiMaggio ("9/10") in blue Sharpie. This is one of a series of 1,941 bats signed by DiMaggio that were marketed in the 1990s. The bat is numbered "1933/1941." The number of bats in the series (1,941) was, of course, chosen to honor the year of DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak. This bat was among thirteen which were not sold and were kept personally by DiMaggio. The bat is accompanied by notarized documentation provided by DiMaggio's attorney, Morris Engleberg, who oversaw the liquidation of the DiMaggio estate, detailing the provenance of the bat and attesting to its authenticity. Each bat was uniquely numbered. It is interesting to note that the number of this bat, "1933," is of special significance, as 1933 was DiMaggio's first full season as a professional ballplayer. It is almost certain that this was the reason DiMaggio chose to keep this particular bat numbered "1933/1941." Very few signed limited-edition bats have been produced and marketed so professionally that they have withstood the test of time as extremely desirable commodities, especially prized for the assurance of authenticity they provide. The Mantle/Maris signed limited edition of 115 bats and the DiMaggio signed limited edition of 1,941 are rare exceptions. This is an ideal example, with exceptional provenance, which can traced directly to the personal collection of Joe DiMaggio, and with a number (1933) that has great significance to DiMaggio's career. The bat is in Mint condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000/$1,500. SOLD FOR $2,644