Game used bat verification

gtbeaker

Sorry for posting this in the wrong forum, but I figured some of you might be better suited to answer this for me. There is currently a Johnny Bench "game used" 1969 bat for sale on eBay. After looking at the autograph on the bat, I'm not fully convinced it's authentic (maybe I'm wrong though). The item # is 2721920825 (sorry, haven't mastered links yet).

Any advice from those people who might know more about this stuff?

Scott

mikeschmidt

Here's the link

Unfortunately -- you cannot tell from scans whether or not a bat has been game-used. Dave Bushing and Dan Knoll have published a book on the subject.

Here's an Amazon link to the book

They, I believe, own many of the historic records as to the production process and specifications of bats made over previous decades. Even if the signature on the bat is real -- you have no way of telling whether or not the bat was game used. The bat length and weight are not disclosed in the auction. Those bits of information are important. Do you have your own database or reference as to what size, weight, brand, makeup of the bats Bench used? If you do not -- you have no way of independently assessing whether or not this is game-used.

Bushing and Knoll do authenticate such bats -- for a few. However, at this point, that does not really assist you for the auction at hand.

JeffVN

here you go.
Bench Game-used Bat auction

I have several authentic autographs from Mr. Bench, including some single signed baseballs and a 75 Teams photo. They look nothing like the thing on that bat. Johnny actually includes 2 "n"s in his signature.

Better yet, here is Mr. Bench's own website so you can compare yourself.

Johnny Bench's Website

KING KELLOGG

gtbeaker...

I agree with Jeff, That sig is WAY off. I had Mr Bench at a couple of BB card shows that I produced during the late 80's. I had him sign numerous items including bats. I also have his signature on the show contract. None of those signatures even come close to the one on eBay.

Somebody show me how to post a picture, and I'll show 'ya.




Larry

gtbeaker

Marc/Jeff/Larry-

Thanks for verifying my gut feelings. I've seen plenty of Bench sigs over the years and this one just doesn't look real. Just wanted to get some 3rd party verification of my suspicions. Thanks alot guys!

Scott

JeffVN

Scott I finally found what I was looking for at the Steiner website.


Check out this sig.

Bench Sig on Baseball

goodriddance189

good god, if youre going to forge a sig, at least dont misspell his name