250 H&B Ruth signature model bat: Pictures Added

[aelefson]

Hi-
I recently acquired a Ruth signature model, Hillerich and Bradsby bat, 250 type bat at a flea market. The condition is rough (a chunk of the knob is missing), but I only paid 3.00 for it (I am fairly certain I did not overpay). Mine measures approximately 31 inches (maybe a hair more), and there is no inch marking on the knob. The knob and barrel appear to show lathe marks, but I am not really good at distinguishing these from other markings.
I have no illusions that this is a gamer, as it is very short (but very heavy). Do all 250 style bats from the 1920s have lathe marks? This is the first one I have ever owned so I have nothing in my collection to compare it to. I read several old auction catalogs that claimed 250 Ruth bats from this time period possibly could have been used by Ruth (but again, the smallest one I found was 34 inches and I couldn't see him using a 31 inch bat).
I will post pictures late next week but in the mean time, could folks please post their own examples of Ruth store model bats (especially 250 style)? Please also provide any other information you might have regarding these. For additional reading, MGH posted a very informative thread regarding game use (or not) and non traditional bats (40K cork grip, 250s, etc.).
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=117717&highlight=250+ruth+bat

Thanks in advance,
Alan Elefson
aelefson@hotmail.com

[yanks12025]

Sounds like a pro-model 250 bat but not one for Ruth. Matt (mghpro) will chime in with more info. But yeah 31 inches is way too short for Ruth. But you got it at a steal for $3.

[MGHPro]

Hi Alan
You didn't overpay at $3, but it is way too short to be a Ruth gamer. Still sounds like a neat bat and will post any other info when you post pictures.
Matt

[aelefson]

Thanks guys! Sorry it took me so long to reply, but below are some pictures of the bat. I am still trying to figure out how to use my digital camera, but hopefully the pertinent details can be seen. The more I look at it, I do not see lathe marks, only no inch marking on the knob. I do not belive that in itself should make it a possible game model (used by another player) as if this bat is from the 20s I did not think all store models from that period had inch marks.

Now that I have included pictures can anyone help to further clarify the approximate date range (e.g. 20s or 30s)? Any other information regarding it or 250 model bats in general would be greatly appreciated.
Alan

[MGHPro]

Its hard to tell a lot from the pictures but as far as age, its 1920's unless there is a powerized logo.

I wouldn't call them lathe marks on the bat. On the knob, you see the remnants of the lathe nub that wasn't fully flattened and the top looks more like a hole in the bat. Is it leaded or corked?

I don't think the bat is cut down, so maybe the lack of inch marks is due to it being a junior size even though its not marked as such. The 40brj and 40tcj bats that are about the same length are rarely seen with inch marks.

Its a cool bat, could be cleaned up if you want to go that route.

[aelefson]

Matt-
Thank you for your help! There is definitely no powerized logo (nor remanants of one). How could I determine if it is leaded or corked?
That is very interesting regarding the junior model. I did not realize they made junior 250 models. I like it no matter what. How would I go about cleaning it up? I have several bats in my collection in rough shape and I was always curious if I could make them look a little better. I will also try to post better pictures of this bat.
Thanks in advance,
Alan