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View Full Version : Help: Differentiating game model, store model and repro model bats


markf31
06-08-2012, 12:29 PM
I am doing some researching as I prepare to expand my collection to begin to include autographed bats. I have read through several articles and blogs in how to determine if a bat is a game model, store model or repro model by studying the markings, company logo and butt markings on the bat. A great article can be found here:

http://reviews.ebay.com/BAT-COLLECTORS-VINTAGE-STORE-BAT-REFERENCE-GUIDE?ugid=10000000000937325

So I can tell what bats are repro's but I'm having some difficulty in determining if a bat is a game model or a store model.

Take for example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TED-WILLIAMS-AUTOGRAPHED-LOUISVILLE-SLUGGER-W215-BAT-FULL-JSA-LETTER-/350546975446?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519e3a5ad6

According to the markings it's not a repro, so it's either a store model or a game model. The marking on the handle is W215 which I have found is a model that Williams did use. However I find it very difficult for this to be a game model (game model...not game used, I understand that difference) in the condition it's in, almost brand new. Am I missing something in analysis of this bat? Is this really a store model? The W215 marking does not seem to denote the bat's size as you would expect to find on a store model but.

This Williams is just one example I have found while browsing bats on Ebay, there are many others that seem to fit the game model description but again seem to be in too good of a condition and might be store model bats.

Can anyone help me out here and help me in being able to determine if a bat is a store model or a game model

murphusa
06-08-2012, 03:32 PM
The bat in link two is a show bat for to be autographed. These bats are made with the numbers of a professional bat but are not the same size and weight. The wood used is also a lower grade.

The wood grade will always help you make the determination" you would never see a grain stop on the sweet spot on a pro bat