1999 The Sothebys Auction of the Barry Halper Collection,

(info as printed in the auction catalog)

lot #1601
Mickey Mantle Signed Game Used Bat
This 1960-1964 H&B Professional Model K55 shows moderate game use. The barrel has been inscribed by Mantle in green ink "to Barry -Thanks for everything- Your Friend Mickey Mantle- 2/5/88 (9/10) in excellent condition 33 oz length 34 1/2 in. (87 .6 cm)


The bat was sold at auction for $20,700.00, then resold to Upper Deck, which was entered in a sweepstakes , and was won by my mother.
Taxes were paid on the value. We have been trying to sell the bat and upon studying about game used bats, have found that ( awaiting verification from the bat maker ) Mantle never ordered the 34 1/2 inch bat and that it possibly was considered a "never left the field house bat", and if that is the case the bat is not worth a fraction of what the prize that was offered , taxes paid etc. I have also an issue with the authenticator of the bat for Sothebys. I'm wanting to see what legal action can be taken to get a "real" bat , or compensated by the auction house or Upper Deck.

thanks
Claudia