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Paul
02-11-2008, 07:48 PM
Hello, I'm mostly a baseball card collector. But I'm thinking of buying only my second game-used bat, so I hope you folks can help me out. I was referred to this forum by the Network 54 group.

At the risk of outing my own auction, here is a link to the bat I am thinking of bidding on:

http://tinyurl.com/2beb9c (http://tinyurl.com/2beb9c)

I want to make sure that this was a bat of Vern Stephens, not Gene Stephens, who also played for the Red Sox at about the same time. Any suggestions on how to confirm this? I asked the seller (Zane Bats), and he said that the batboy who provided him with the bat attributed it to Vern Stephens.

Thanks.

Paul

Vintagedeputy
02-11-2008, 10:05 PM
I dont know about that particular bat but Zane is usually pretty spot on. I've bought from him before and he has handled just about as many bats as anyone else out there.

Looks like you have a potential bidding war on your hands with that bat. Best put your highest snipe bid in and hope for the best.

Jim

MSpecht
02-12-2008, 05:52 PM
Hi Paul---

I do not have Gene Stephens' records for the period, however a review of Vern Stephens' H & B records shows the following:

1) Vern Stephens sent in a model to be replicated in 35 inch length on 8/25/1943.

2) On 9/18/1943 the model "Vern Stephens' 8/23/1943" was assigned model number S2 in H & B's new identification system.

3) From that date to the end of his career (last order 2/14/1955) Stephens ordered only model S2 bats from H & B, with the exception of one single order of twelve H117 bats on 3/21/1947

4) During the 1950-1960 label period (specifically 3/10/1950 to 2/14/1955 ) H & B records document 26 separate orders shipped to Vern Stephens totaling approximately 204 bats ---- each order was for model S2 bats that were 36 inches in length and between 32 and 34 ounces in weight. The one exception to the above was a single order on 4/16/1954 of two model S2 bats 35 inches / 31 ounces.

5) Stephens' consistent habits continued tinto his post-career when between 3/22/1956 and 4/28/1965 he had six orders of model S2 bats in various lengths ranging from 34 inches to 36 inches and one single order of twelve model D29L bats.

6) On the card which lists Vern Stephens' orders between 1949 to the end of his career, the word "auto" appears, indicating that he had an endorsement contract with H & B and his name would appear in script fascimile form on his bats.

Basically, a "Stephens" model O1 bat with block letter name is not supported by H & B documentation as having been ordered by / shipped to Vern Stephens.
Good Luck

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

Royalsfans
02-13-2008, 06:52 PM
I have also bought a few bats from Zane and had no problem. Good seller