1922-31 Kiki Cuyler 125 LS

[rk723]

Hi:
I recently bought a Kiki Cuyler H&B 125 LS with the 1922-31 centerbrand. The barrel has his script signature and the words "TRADE MARK" under his signarure. It weighs 40.5 ounces and is 34 inches long. The centerbrand is very deeply stamped. The knob end has 34 stamped into it. My question is whether this could be a real Kiki Cuyler bat or only a store bat. More specifically, does having 34 stamped on the knob totally and absolutely prohibit it from bring a gamer? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Ron

[MSpecht]

Hi Ron--

Although the inch designation on the knob is indicative of a very high probability of being a store, or retail, model bat, there have been documented game model professional bats that do not appear in H & B catalogues (thus were never offered to the retail trade) that were stamped with inch designation on the knob, includint the " . These examples are mostly block letter (no signature endorsement contract) bats, that were never offered to the public. Two questionalbe signature models with inch designations have also surfaced.... In short, however, while it may be possible that some players in that era (generally early 1930s) may have used 125 models with inch marks, if they also had a catalogue model / endorsement contract, no such claim of professional use could be made with any degree of reliability, and collectors would most certainly reject any such claim. In this case,also, the Cuyler bat is short in comparison to his known documented records, and his catalogue bats were marketed heavily.

Good Luck

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com (Jackitout7@aol.com)