Hi Marty - sorry for the delay, as I have been traveling the last four days. Dave Parker bats from the 77-79 labeling period should be signature model bats. During this period, Parker ordered quite a few R161 model bats, but NONE were less than 36" in length. The combination of the short length and Block Letter stamping would lead me to ask a lot of questions on the bat. Prior to this labeling period, the last 35" bat Parker ordered was in 1973. Nothing less than 36" was ordered until he retired except for one 35" order of Z19 bats in 1976. I hope this helps - let me know if I can be of further assistance. Jim - jcaravello@nc.rr.com