Questions about displaying and taking care of old bats
 

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I've recently bought some old bats that I plan to display in my man cave. I don't have a ton into them and I'm sure they aren't especially rare or valuable. I included a picture of one. For displaying, would it be best to remove the tape? Is there some kind of polish or varnish to freshen it up a bit? Is that type of restoration a no no on old bats? Anyway, just want them to look nice displayed and I'd appreciate any tips. Thanks.

I'm not a bat expert, but personally I wouldn't remove tape or add any finish - I would keep as is. My 16 year daughter made me this new bat rack for Fathers Day. (she is the only girl I know her age into woodwork)

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Awesome home made rack - easy to find reasonaby priced options for bat racks on line. I agree that you leave the tape on. You can clean/stip a particularly dirty store model bat (never mess with a gamer) and apply linseed oil to preserve.

What is the decal bat that you have? Burley?

The decal is a 1917 - 1921 Eddie Collins H&B.

I will disagree with the others -- I don't think black electricians tape looks good on a post-war store bat. I would definitely take it off, remove all residue, and then treat the bat with linseed oil or something similar (although in your case, your Robinson bat looks pretty good, it may not need any linseed).
The wood will likely be a different tone under the tape, and you may reveal a crack, but I still think that looks better than tape.
Of course a game bat is an entirely different matter.

Greg

I'm with Greg - take it off - cleaning it will probably be a pain.. But some elbow grease and tlc , it should look good
Matt

Thanks so much for the replies. Definitely just a store model. I've only got $25 into it. The tape definitely holding a crack, but I thought the same that it might look better even with the crack and different color when compared to the tape. I'll definitely try the oil. That's exactly what I need.

I have a bat or two with nails to repair the crack. Since it is a store model, you could even try glue and a clamp to close it up.