Circa 1930 Spalding Die-Cut Countertop Bat Sign (Hack Wilson Bat)

Sold For:

$1,440

Year:

1930

Auction:

2015 Fall

Lot #:

1014

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Rare Spalding die-cut countertop display, with easel back, dating from circa 1930. This is the first example of this extremely attractive Spalding retail display that we have ever seen. Issued in promotion of the company's line of bats, the text reads "Spalding Base Ball Bats - They follow the designs of famous players. We have a weight, balance and length to suit your type of hitting." Prominently featured is an illustration of a Hack Wilson signature-model bat, as well as a catcher's mask. The center brand on the bat pictured (Spalding "Autograph" series No. 200 - Oil Tempered) dates to the 1926 to 1934 manufacturing period. However, the fact that the company chose to use a Hack Wilson model in its promotional display probably dates it to 1931, which was the year following Hack Wilson's historic 1930 season in which he hit 56 home runs with a record 191 RBI. The display (approximately 8 x 14 inches) is complete with its easel back. Light edge wear is evident along the top edge (slight creasing) and bottom right corner (small area of surface paper loss), and there are a few small areas of abrasion on the reverse; otherwise the piece remains in Near Mint condition overall.   Reserve $300. Estimate (open).