Beautiful and original 1880s Spalding "Fat Barrel" bat. This highly desirable and sought after bat has a nice patina with decorative rings and a dark, bright and legible "Spalding Trade Mark." The all original condition and finish of the bat shows game use as well as pride in ownership. The monstrous 39.75" bat shows nice signs of use and is a pleasure to hold. The 4.5" handle circumference is far larger than a standard bat and says something about the player who used it. The player's initials are carved in the bottom of the handle and read, "HNC." Most likely the brother of Samuel M. Chase. Recently discovered collection of bats used by a young man named Samuel M. Chase, a young Connecticut ballplayer who played for Yale (Class of 1883). Three of his bats bear paper labels with the word "memorabilia," the earliest known use of the term we have seen.