40 T.C. Bat - J.F. Hillerich & Son

[Runscott]

I just picked up a bat that has a label almost identical to the one below, except it's a '40 T.C.' and has 'J.F. HILLERICH & SON CO.' instead of the Co with an underlined small 'o'. Can this difference be used to further i.d. the bat's age?

[batsballsbases]

I dont know the answer but someone here will. So good luck with your quest.

[slidekellyslide]

I'm sure you know it's a Ty Cobb bat...any traces of the decal on the barrel or is it completely gone?

[Runscott]

I'm sure you know it's a Ty Cobb bat...any traces of the decal on the barrel or is it completely gone?

Thanks. Yes, I bought it as a 'Ty Cobb'. There are no traces of a decal, and no stamping other than the label. It's 33 3/4" long

Here are label pics:

[slidekellyslide]

I think the dash dot dash era was the early teens, but someone here can tell you precisely what years that bat was made.

[Vintage Yankee]

I think the dash dot dash era was the early teens, but someone here can tell you precisely what years that bat was made.

Dan's got it - c1911-1916.

[Runscott]

Dan's got it - c1911-1916.

Thanks. So what's the deal with the different 'O' at the end of 'Co'? Is it significant for dating purposes?

[mjkm90]

The label changed many times over the years. Co was added in 1911 and was usually a Co. To my knowledge, the CO was typical of the decal bats.

[Runscott]

The label changed many times over the years. Co was added in 1911 and was usually a Co. To my knowledge, the CO was typical of the decal bats.

Thanks Mike. That makes sense, as there's no additional stamping on the barrel. I obviously don't know much about bats, but found this one at an antique store yesterday and it seemed like too good of a deal to pass up.