Desirable and unusual 36.5" 19th century bat. The bat's unique two-tone finish is original and shows well. The lighter center portion is decorated with black painted rings that highlight the very legible Spalding trademark along with the 35 ounce weight and patent date of June 17, 1884. The bat has never been cleaned or restored and still shows ball marks and slight polishing on the handle from players gripping with their hands. This bat was used, cared for, and is a true representation of early baseball. Recently discovered collection of bats used by a young man named Samuel M. Chase, a young Connecticut ballplayer who played in the early 1880s. Three of his bats bear paper labels with the word "memorabilia," the earliest known use of the term we have seen.