Details on 1956 (?) MLB Team Decals

[BuddyPants]

I've spent quite a bit of time researching the decals (see attached picture) and have seen a few references to "1956" but that's about it.

I've seen them used on mini-bats and a few other items, but can't pin down any specific year, manufacturer or really any solid info at all.

The decals in the photo are still on their original backings, but have been trimmed and stuck to a piece of cardboard.

Any help at all is greatly appreciated!

[MK]

The Cubs used that particular logo from 1941 to 1956.

[ooo-ribay]

I have literature from Bill's Specialty Mfg. Co. of Milwaukee offering steins, ashtrays, lighters and salt and pepper shakers with those decals. The literature is dated 1957.

[BuddyPants]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I have literature from Bill's Specialty Mfg. Co. of Milwaukee offering steins, ashtrays, lighters and salt and pepper shakers with those decals. The literature is dated 1957.

This is by far, the best lead I have gotten so far.

Any chance you'd mind uploading a scan or photo?

Thanks for all you help

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by BuddyPants

This is by far, the best lead I have gotten so far.

Any chance you'd mind uploading a scan or photo?

Thanks for all you help

Sorry for the bad scan. With a magnifying glass, I can make out Red Sox, Tigers, White Sox, Yankees, O's, Indians, Braves, Pirates and RedLegs in the bottom row. All have the same decals you showed.

[BuddyPants]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

Sorry for the bad scan. With a magnifying glass, I can make out Red Sox, Tigers, White Sox, Yankees, O's, Indians, Braves, Pirates and RedLegs in the bottom row. All have the same decals you showed.

This is simply awesome - thanks!

I'll assume that Bill's Specialties were not the only ones using these decals for products, but this is a great start!

[ooo-ribay]

These logos have always seemed "non-official" to me...I don't believe MLB had strict licensing rules in the 50's and I think you could maybe sell whatever you wanted. To the best of my recollection, I can't remember the Giants themselves ever using that logo (on letterheads or whatever). Here are some S&P shakers from that era.

[perezfan]

In addition to the logos being unofficial, beware of dishonest/sleazy ebay seller(s) who apply these decals to generic china, mugs, ashtrays, banks etc. They are selling these pieces as being authentic when indeed they are not.

If anyone wants to PM me off-line, I can provide the name of the ebay seller most notorious for this. The memorabilia looks quite authentic, but is not.

[mikesplace30]

i have some partial sheets. there are 36 decals on a full sheet. because they have the baltimore orioles and brooklyn dodgers i guess it is safe to say the year is 1954-1958.

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by mikesplace30

i have some partial sheets. there are 36 decals on a full sheet. because they have the baltimore orioles and brooklyn dodgers i guess it is safe to say the year is 1954-1958.

Kansas City didn't get the A's until 1955.

But who were the Washington Nationals?

[ValKehl]

Rob, the Washington Senators were a/k/a the Washington Nationals.
Val

[Jay Wolt]

....and Topps even listed them as the Nats for a couple of years

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by Jay Wolt

....and Topps even listed them as the Nats for a couple of years

Interesting. But it was never "official," right?

[ValKehl]

Rob, it is my understanding that the team's official name was the Senators when it became a charter member of the AL in 1901. Then, the official name was changed to Nationals in 1905. And in 1957, it was changed back to Senators. But, most often the team was referred to by its fans and the local press as the Nats.
Val