Wagon Tongue Bat Help

[bigfish]

Hello:

Picked up an early Wagon Tongue Spaulding bat. I am not sure of the year this bat was made. Any help would be appreciated. I am guessing in the 1890's. The bat is 35 inches and has the Spaulding logo in the center with the letters No. O.X. underneather the logo. Scans attached.

[MGHPro]

Nice looking bat! My guess would be 1890's .

[bigfish]

Why would you guess that date? I have been looking for a decent one of these for years. I have never seen the No. X.O. under the logo. I think that might mean something or help me link it to a date. Any idea?

[william_9]

Does it say Wagon Tongue on it? The O.X. model shows up in for the first time in the 1890 Spalding guide, but it is called the Spalding's Special Black End Axletree Bat. Sold for 50 cents each. I'll take a dozen.

[william_9]

It's also listed under the same name in the 1896, 1901, and 1905 guides (I don't have the years in between). In the 1905 guide, the "Black End" wording was no longer used.

[bigfish]

Thanks for the help. I have been looking for one of these. I appreciate the time and effort.

Toby

[vthobby]

I just listed on Ebay a cabinet photo with 2 Wagon Tongue decal bats like those in this thread. If interested:

Item# 270867065806

Baseball Cabinet Photo New York Military Academy Team Bats Gloves Balls 1890s

Thanks! mike