Bats

[Case12]

I would like to purchase an old original bat (as early as reasonable) in decent shape for my baseball collection. Late 1800's, early 1900s? I am not a bat collector, and don't plan to be. But I have absolutely no idea what to get. Something a bat collector might say, that's cool, but probably has a dozen at home. I understand they were made by the millions even in late 1800s. Can I get some opinions, and maybe some offers? This is not an expensive acquisition, and can be common as they come. Just something I know you guys tell me is real, and I can lay on a collectables table or stand in a corner. Without your help I could end up buying a some old stick or a worn 90's little league bat. Idea on prices too - low price range. (I'll be doing this for a glove too....but later). Thank you very, very much. Casey

[Case12]

This is sorta what I am looking for. Says it's 1920. I like the markings...in this case Spalding. Is it real? Price ok? $100 on eBay. I have no idea if that's a good price. Or if I should be looking for something better in that range? Many thanks to all!

[JoeDfan]

I love the old dash-dot-dash Hillerich & Bradsby bats.
I think I picked up one of my cheaper ones for maybe $150?

The really old caramel brown colored ones are my favorites.

[JoeDfan]

Oh, that one is cool too!

[JoeDfan]

Bear in mind I do not think that one is a pro model...

[Mark]

I think that the old Spalding Wagon Tongue bats are very appealing.

http://keymancollectibles.com/bats/spaldingwagontonguebat.htm

They are often available, and they are connected to an older way of life.

[Case12]

The wagon tongue bats are spot on. But appear out of my price range. <$100.

[Mark17]

This is the 1930 bat I messaged you about. $35.00 delivered.

-Mark

[Mark17]

This is the 1930 bat I messaged you about. $35.00 delivered.

-Mark

No reply from the guy I offered this to, but 4 others have sent me messages expressing interest in it. So I've decided to list it as an auction, MB $35 delivered. Since we don't see a lot of GU auction listings, I'll also be listing some other pre-1970 bats.

[bnorth]

No reply from the guy I offered this to, but 4 others have sent me messages expressing interest in it. So I've decided to list it as an auction, MB $35 delivered. Since we don't see a lot of GU auction listings, I'll also be listing some other pre-1970 bats.

LOL, it happens. I will be watching for your listings.

[Case12]

Hi Mark, I replied and asked you questions about it. You answered me late Thursday night and then public posted the bat photo three minutes later. I didn't know it was a rush. And was not told it was going to be offered to others. Hope there was some type of misunderstanding. What was I supposed to do? Thanks, Casey

[Mark17]

Yes, you asked about the labeling Thursday and that evening I posted the pictures on your thread, which provided the answer you were looking for. But after not hearing from you for over 24 hours after that (when I was getting messages from 4 other people who were interested) I figured you didn't want it while several others did. Since I'd been planning to offer some other bats too, I decided to just add that one to it.

I think if someone posts looking for a certain type of bat, and someone else (me) responds with a really good offer ($35 delivered was basically me offering to give it to you,) and then answers questions with follow up pictures, it's a good idea to follow up in a timely manner if interested. As we all know, it's super commonplace to have somebody ask questions and then you never hear from them again.

[Case12]

Thanks Mark. Sorry to muck up the gears. I do appreciate the generosity of the NET54 folk. I think I may have found something. Will let all know. Casey

[Case12]

Deleted

[Case12]

Hi all. I found a bat finally, with the help of several Net 54 members. It is a pro 1916-1933 H&B, game used. Key Man Collectibles was invaluable for me getting the dating right (in this case the trademark lettering and position). I got it on eBay for $90 listed as a 1920's bat. Didn't even haggle...it just had the right vibe.
The name branded on barrell is Tillman. I searched and found John "Ducky" Tillman, the only Tillman in the time frame. - a pitcher who batted R&L. He played and managed for lots of Minor League teams for 19 years (figured all this from SABR, Baseball Reference, Wikipedia and Oracle). First team was New England Whalers. Even cooler, is that he was brought up to the Major Leagues for 2 games with the Saint Louis Browns in 1915. Even, more cool is that notations show he rotated in to pitch, and George Sisler moved to the outfield. With a few other notations I found, the dating he could have used this bat was likely 1921-1929 ish. So, it best appears it is a game used pro bat from the 20's.
A couple other interesting things- there are a couple nails holding a grain split (hardly noticable unless you were looking) and taped handle.
And, I can't understand this, the bat appears to have been corked. I studied this and there are bats from 20's corked, but rare. I read even Ruth used glued mixed wood shavings in some of his bats (eventually ruled illegal).
If anyone has thoughts on this mystery I would really appreciate it!!!!
Below are pictures - got the bat today - my vibe was correct. It looks and feels awesome.
BTW, if I am off base on any of this, please feel free to correct me. I did my homework, but you guys are the experts. You will not hurt my feelings if I got any, or all, wrong. I still love it. Thank you so much all NET54 members who got involved with me on this little project. It was a really fun experience. (Now, I have the itch for a bottle bat and I know just the NET54 member who has one...just need to save some more dough).
Blessings, Casey

[JoeDfan]

AWESOME bat! Congrats!!!

That is a beautiful pickup.

Is there anything on the knob?

[Case12]

Here is a pic of the knob. I guess the answer is no? Just a nail. Does that mean anything? Btw, I did just measure the bat. 35 inches even. Thanks!

[JoeDfan]

The stamping on the knob can be very meaningful.

In any event, I think you have a great pickup!

[Case12]

Are you perhaps referring to vault numbers? Also curious - why would someone put a nail in the knob?

[JoeDfan]

Some (not all) pro model bats can be distinguished by a model number on the knob, or the presence/absence of inch notations or whatnot. It varies by era, manufacturer, etc.

If you just plan on collecting this one bat, you are all set, you know what it is.

But, if like me, you start to become addicted to collecting bats, do your research and start learning everything you can about them. The smallest detail can be the difference between a real gamer, and a store model.

There is a great book by Vince Malta on Louisville Slugger bats; if you turn into a bat collector, this is a MUST have, along with a few others.

[bnorth]

Some (not all) pro model bats can be distinguished by a model number on the knob, or the presence/absence of inch notations or whatnot. It varies by era, manufacturer, etc.

If you just plan on collecting this one bat, you are all set, you know what it is.

But, if like me, you start to become addicted to collecting bats, do your research and start learning everything you can about them. The smallest detail can be the difference between a real gamer, and a store model.

There is a great book by Vince Malta on Louisville Slugger bats; if you turn into a bat collector, this is a MUST have, along with a few others.

He knows what he is talking about. I wanted one Wade Boggs bat. After being friends with Sean for some time I now have 21 bats in my collection. I wouldn't call it addiction, more habit forming.

I have never got a bat and started shaking wanting another instantly. I have never decided buying bats was more important than living in a house. I have never went to buy a bat and woke up 3 days later in a Piggly Wiggly with a black eye and a sore ass clutching a bat. Now that would be addiction.:eek::D

[JoeDfan]

Ok, maybe the term addiction was not the best analogy...

[Mark]

Ok, maybe the term addiction was not the best analogy...

Well, I haven't had that Piggly Wiggly experience, but I have found myself lately buying a couple bats that don't fit into my collection, and I think I do this because I haven't bought a bat for a few months. It can be a very strong habit.

[ullmandds]

I love old bats! This is a pretty scarce Pontiac Turning Jennings bat.

[Mark]

I love old bats! This is a pretty scarce Pontiac Turning Jennings bat.

Cannnot get too much of bats like this: a Pontiac bat with Hughie Jennings' name on the knob!!! great to see this again.

[bnorth]

I love old bats! This is a pretty scarce Pontiac Turning Jennings bat.

Nice bat, Pete. I traded my only old bat to Sean. Oldest I have now is a 1965 Eddie Mathews.

[ullmandds]

Thanks guys and Ben keep looking they pop up from time to time especially here in the Midwest!

[bnorth]

Thanks guys and Ben keep looking they pop up from time to time especially here in the Midwest!

I have seen some killer bats found out here in the middle of nowhere. The little town I live in has a huge baseball history. Pretty much every major star from the 40s-60s have played a game here including Mantle and DiMaggio. Rick Reuschel started his minor league career here. Sadly that great era of local baseball ended about the time I was born.:(

Plus I am doing my best to only buy Wade Boggs bats. I thing the wife would use one on me I if I started buying other players bats.:)

[JoeDfan]

OH, that is an awesome Pontiac bat!
I have a Pontiac B model, but the letters on the knob (if indeed there are any) are indecipherable/not there. It is a monster!

It was my understanding that ones with names on the knob could be gamers? But then I saw one the other day that the owner says wasn't. So I have a lot more to learn on the Pontiac bats.