Historically important trophy bat is from a class of memorabilia almost never seen and with little extant. This relic relates to both early baseball AND the Civil War. Resplendent trophy bat was presented by the Utica Veteran Zouaves to their own team the Blue Stockings for their overwhelming 21-5 victory. "Zouaves" is a term adopted by light infantry French soldiers stationed in North Africa and adopted by American Civil War companies on both sides of the battlefield, this example of course being the Union side. The bat is simply beautiful, with style dating it to not long after the Civil War. Over 33" in length, this trophy bat has a very dark and warm finish that is enhanced with numerous eye pleasing details. Intricately carved rings are deep, highly detailed and very uniform. This kind of decorative carving was very popular with furniture makers at the time, making this bat as much decorative art as it is sports memorabilia. The unique and unusual ribbed handle is pleasing to the eye and functional of the time for an effective grip similar to a policeman's baton. It is fitting that an organization of Civil War veterans that experienced the horrors of the battlefield would chose a bat that tended towards weaponry. A magical design, the ribs become progressively tighter and smaller in their path to the unusual knob. Precisely curved and perfectly fitted heavy brass badge is fastened to the center and engraved "Presented By The Utica Veteran Zouaves Blue Stockings won by a score 21x5." The contrasting spun nickel plated rings give the bat even more flair and uniqueness. Very sturdy end caps with with hanging hooks make it possible to once again be on display. A piece that stirs the imagination to names such as Wright, Anson, and Kelly but also to Lee, Grant and Lincoln.