Help with this Willie Davis Bat on Ebay

[kswarriors]

What do you guys think about this Davis bat just posted to Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting

The model number (MC44) is what bothers me the most. Thoughts?

[JimCaravello]

Mc44 is a valid model number and the bat appears to be a 1965 - 1968 label and not a 1969 - 1972 label as stated by the Seller. The bottom loop of the "P" is flush with the stem and doesn't cross the stem, which would indicate a 1969-1972 labeled bat. During the 1965 - 1968 labeling period, Willie had eleven ( 11 ) orders of Mc44 model bats.

Lengths varied from 35" to 36" and weights ranged from 32 to 33 ounces. The seller indicates the bat is 34 3/4" long, which if that is correct is within the tolerance level of recorded records. Willie wore #3 with the Dodgers during this time period. Another nice trait is that the ball marks are on the right barrel side, which would be correct for the lefty Davis. The bat looks pretty solid to me assuming the length and weight check out.

If I can help in any other way regarding this bat - let me know.

Jim - jcaravello@nc.rr.com

[kswarriors]

Thanks Jim - this is very helpful. Interestingly, the Bushing/Knoll Mastro Bat Guide at p. 32 says that the "only recorded two letter prefix" for a LS model number is "MC24." I thought that meant that the MC44 number on this bat could not be legit, but now I'm thinking that what it means is that the "MC" prefix is legit and it does not speak to what combination of numbers could legitimately follow. In short, the Mastro Guide wording could use some improvement there, as it seems unclear, at least to me. Thank you again Jim for your fast review and response.

Derrick.

[JimCaravello]

Derrick - no problem. Good luck if you bid on the Davis. It looks really nice.........jim

[JimCaravello]

Looks like someone got to the Seller and bought the bat directly out of auction............

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting