Remarkable 1910-1915 Chick Gandil "Black Betsy" Game-Used Bat PSA/DNA GU 9.5 - The ONLY Graded Example!

Sold For:

$54,000

Year:

1911

Auction:

2023 Summer

Lot #:

18

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Presented is a remarkable Chick Gandil block-letter model bat (predating model numbers), manufactured by J. F. Hillerich & Son and dating from the 1910-1915 labeling period. Graded GU 9.5 by PSA/DNA. Chick Gandil game-used bats are exceedingly rare. This is the first example we have ever offered and, as PSA/DNA notes in its accompanying LOA, this is the ONLY Chick Gandil bat certified by the company. Although the offered bat predates the use of model numbers, PSA/DNA has identified it as resembling Joe Jackson's "J13" model with a finish identical to his famous "Black Betsy." The bat, which is not cracked, displays evidence of outstanding use, including numerous ball marks and grain swelling. Gandil's last name is branded on the front barrel. There are undefined markings carved in the knob. Although most fans today only remember Gandil as one of the main conspirators of the 1919 "Black Sox" scandal, he was one of the top first basemen in the game when he joined the Washington Senators in 1912. In addition to his slick fielding, Gandil was also a force at the plate and led the Senators in RBI for three of his four seasons with the club before being traded to Cleveland in 1916. Length: 34.5 inches. Weight: 42.2 ounces. Full LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Opening Bid $25,000.