Manufactured of what appears to be bronze or perhaps cast-iron this is simply a wonderful baseball-related piece described to us as dating to the 1930s. Weighing in at a whopping 9.5 pounds the cat is poised in a batting stance handsome red sweater with the number 5 emblazoned on the tail green cap perched on his head. Apparently hand-painted the pinstriped pants appear to have once been blue with flecks of the blue paint remaining. The piece appears to be in NM condition paint flecks notwithstanding. We are aware of one other example of this magnificent figural piece but only speculation as to its date of manufacture or significance. Based on the attributes of the uniform we believe it to date to the 1930s. Original speculation that it might be an homage to "The Big Cat" Johnny Mize proved unlikely because Mize never wore the number 5 in his career. More possible is that the piece is an homage to the Detroit Tigers where the number 5 was worn throughout the 1930s by their superstar first baseman Hank Greenberg. Regardless of its origin or intent it remains one of the most fascinating baseball-related figural pieces we have seen. Extremely substantial in size and weight an amazing display item.