1912-1925 Frank Schulte Chicago Cubs/Pittsburgh Pirates Game-Used Bat (Factory Side Written) - PSA/DNA

Frank Schulte Spalding "Autograph" signature-model bat (predating model numbers) dating from the 1912-1925 manufacturing period. The most distinguishing feature of this bat is the partially visible side writing on the barrel. Side writing is of great significance to collectors as it places a bat directly into the hands of the player so named. When players returned bats to the factory (to be used as templates for future orders), identifying notations including the player's name would be written in grease pencil on the side of the bat by an employee and stored in the vaults for future reference. In that regard, side writing on bats is recognized by many collectors as being the equivalent of having a letter of authenticity from the player himself. According to the PSA/DNA letter, "only a few letters can be seen. None of the letters can be considered to be a portion of 'Frank Schulte'." The bat has the Spalding logo stamped on the knob. According to PSA/DNA, the bat has evidence of "heavy use with a handle crack that has been secured with nails. Numerous ball marks are visible on all sides of the barrel. The handle had been taped in a spiral pattern to secure the crack. Today, only the residue from what appears to be black electricians tape remains." As noted in the accompanying LOA from PSA/DNA, the Spalding "Autograph" series bats were produced for the professional players whose name appears on the bat, but they were also available to other major league players and sold on the retail market. For a complete analysis of the bat, we refer all prospective bidders to the PSA/DNA LOA, which can be viewed in its entirety on our website. PSA/DNA concludes by stating that "After a thorough examination of this Frank Schulte professional model bat and its player use characteristics, it is our opinion that the bat is authentic as described." Frank "Wildfire" Schulte was one of the game's first great sluggers of the dead-ball era and the National League home run leader in both 1910 (10) and 1911 (21). 1911 also saw him hit .300 with a league-leading 107 RBI, numbers which earned him MVP honors at season's end. A member of the Cubs from 1904 to 1916, Schulte helped lead the club to four pennants and two World Championships during that span. He finished his career with a .270 average, 92 home runs, and 793 RBI. Length: 34.5 inches. Weight: 29.6 ounces. Full LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (corresponding sticker affixed to the handle). The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.