Ted Williams 1955-1960 H&B Professional Model Game Bat (MEARS GRADED A9.5)

This Ted Williams professional model baseball bat is a nearly perfect example with regard to usage characteristics and provenance. Manufactured and used during the 1955-1960 period, in which Ted sustained his position among baseball's elite sluggers, the 35 inch, 32.6 oz. bat exhibits pine tar residue, ball marks, cleat marks, and a textured handle that combine to form a veritable thumbprint of the Splendid Splinter. The W183 model number is stamped on the knob end along with a period black painted "9". The manufacturer stampings and Williams' facsimile signature remain quite bold. Ted's actual signature appears on the barrel under Williams' facsimile stamping, "Ted Williams 521" in period brown grease pencil/marker, which has faded a bit from age. Expounding on the magnificence of the bat's physical characteristics is the fact that it originated from the personal collection of Abbott Gordon. Mr. Gordon worked as a contract employee for the Boston Red Sox for approximately 15 years through the 1950s and early 60s. Gordon owned a large book and record corporation in the area. His main contributions to the Red Sox included public relations work; he also issued season passes to fans. Abbott Gordon and Ted Williams were close friends throughout this period. He also became friendly with Dom DiMaggio, and many of the other Red Sox team members knew him as well. Peter, Gordon's son, fondly remembers many outings with the players including several fishing trips with Ted Williams. The bat was given to Abbott Gordon directly by Williams shortly after the conclusion of the 1960 season, which would prove to be his last. Based on its dating, provenance, and period signed career home run total, we can ascertain that the offered bat is certainly among the last bats to have been used by Williams in Major League play. The combination of usage, dating, period autograph with HR total, condition, and impeccable provenance make this unquestionably, one of the finest Ted Williams game used baseball bats known. Includes LOA's from PSA/DNA (autograph), MEARS Authentication (Graded A9.5), a letter of provenance from the Gordon family, and copies of period photographs picturing Gordon with Williams and in various Red Sox related capacities.