This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
The "M & M" Boys, fabled heroes of the final years of the great Yankee dynasty that flourished from the late 1940's to 1964. Together, they put a nation on the edge of their seats as they battled each other in chase of Babe's single season home run record during the summer we still never forget, 1961. This significant Mantle game-used bat is the only Mantle gamer known to possess both autographs of Mantle and Maris. There are two vintage signatures on the rear of the barrel in black marker. The Mantle autograph rates a 6 and the Maris an 8. The bat was also later signed by Mantle in the early 90's on the front of the barrel. This signature grades a near 10. Exhibiting tremendous game use with a slight handle crack, this Hillerich & Bradsby model M110, measures 35 in and weighs 34 oz. Both measurements match perfectly the M110's ordered by Mantle in the summer of 1964. Additionally, letter formation in the center brand and "Powerized" match brands used by Hillerich & Bradsby in 1964. The barrel of the bat is covered with ball and ball stitch marks and Mantle's trademark band of pine tar covers the handle just below the centerbrand. The pine tar application on the handle serves as Mantle's fingerprint on the bat and, in our opinion, places the bat directly in the hands of Mantle. Numerous photos show this identical band of pine tar on Mantle's bats beginning in the early 60's and continuing till the end of his career. Stamped into the knob is the model number M110. Also on the knob a fading "7" can be seen under vintage black paint. A spectacular autographed Mantle gamer with the signature of Roger Maris. WOW! Manufacturer: Hillerich & Bradsby, Model Number: M110, Labeling Period: 1964, Length: 35 in, Weight: 34 oz, Wood: Ash, Finish: Standard. The bat and autographs each comes with a letter from PSA/DNA.