Rare Samoan Cricket Bat

19th century from Fulbeck Hall, Lincolnshire England, formerly the hereditary home of the Fane family. 34 1/2" length, carved of one piece with flattened face and capped grip. Very dark patina with surface soiling from use. Cricket, specifically the version known as kilitiki, is the national game of Samoa. Introduced in the early 19th century, it captivated the male population who, by heredity, were physical, competitive and very sports oriented. The Fane family occupied Fulbeck Hall for nearly 400 years before the dispersal of its contents in 2002. In the 19th century, it produced several notable military leaders. This cricket bat undoubtedly came home with one who went to sea.