19th Century Bats
 

Since the game used bats thread is going so well, I thought I'd start another bat thread showing bats from my favorite era, the 19th century. Here's a tiger maple bat acquired from a fellow board member a few years ago.

Beautiful bat Gary. Can’t wait to see more 19th century bats.

Gret topic and good timing as I just pulled these out of my closet. Gary, great bat! How long is it? Here are my favorites. The first is a ring bat, 37 inches long with League in the center. The second is 41.5 inches long and has a knob that matches another large bat with an 1865 patent date so I believe this is my oldest bat. I found the first in an old collector's home and the second at an antique store. The last picture shows the two bats next to a 35 inch store model bat.

Alan

Fantastic stuff guys!

Here are a few of mine...

Top Bat is probably my eariest, circa 1870s

5th one down is an ornate Ball Knob Bat

4th from the bottom is my version of a Tiger-striped Bat

2nd from the bottom is a rare Spalding Zebra Stripe Bat

Very bottom is a super rare 37" Spalding Ring Bat made of Willow


The last photo just shows greater close-up detail of the Spalding Zebra Stripe and Willow Ring Bats.

35", Alan. Great bats so far. Keep them coming.

Oh, those are all so gorgeous!

Store front / folk art-esque...

19th Century Bats
 

Bless your heart, Gary...a thread like this gives me something to think about other then, well...the obvious these days. I'm gonna post a bunch here so please forgive me. After we've exhausted bat, lets think about 19th C. balls, images, anything, etc.

We'll start with the Spalding bats...this one here is 35" and near pristine.

Spalding Axletree...34"

Spalding Wagon Tongue...34"

Standard Bat Co...Antique and Special League Models...both in excess of 34" and uncracked.

Wright and Ditson...36" ring bat...the exact same model that Mike Kelly is holding in his famous portrait to include the wear pattern on the centerbrand and rings....kinda, sorta.

Presentation / Trophy Bat...sterling silver on rosewood...34"...minty.

League Model bat with Nautical Star...36"

Reach ring model bat...34"

Peck and Snyder ring model bat...a thick 35" and un-cracked...the earliest P&S bat we've ever owned.

Circa 1880s, "Eagle Prize Bat" presented to the Brooklyn Writers Nine.

Circa 1860s- mid 1870s (at the latest), wrapped handle bats...in this case, leather bound handles. We own three of these unique models.

Bat 1:

Leather Wrapped Handle bat 2:

Leather Wrapped Handle Bat 3:

"Regulation" model ring bat...36" with gold rings and lettering, and one of the most beautiful grain patterns I've seen on a bat from this, or any era.

So, those there are 15 examples of our 19th C. bats...I've got a few more, but still need to take photos. I hope this tread keeps on going for a while yet. Enjoy!!

Jonathan

Cool bat, Tim.

Jonathan- What can I say? Off the charts!

Here's a cousin to your leather wrapped handle bats. Twine wrapped handle made of very light wood, maybe willow or pine. Circa 1860s and 40".

Trophy/Presentation Bat...37" example with engraved, sterling silver ring.

I should probably add the pics...

Here we go...

I have nothing to add to this thread, but I sure do like it.

Doug

Here’s a few of mine.

Mark-Does willow generally have the blotchy pattern on your Spalding bat? I can identify ash, but after that it gets more difficult. Spalding even advertise a cherry wood bat. I don't think I've ever seen one.

Love the bats everyone. I have 19th century stuff, but alas, no bats.
Jonathan, I would still love to acquire one of your Brooklyn presentation bats.
Trade?

Yes Willow often has that blotchy looking surface. It's also rather soft to the touch, and is noticeable lighter than ash or hickory.

It would be cool to see a Cherry Wood Spalding, as I don't think I've ever seen one of these. If anyone knows about them (or has a shot at owning one), perhaps it's Jeff Mann. But I'm not sure if Jeff frequents this forum. Maybe Matt Hart or JPOP can chime in, as they might have knowledge of one.

Mark et al- Here is a bat that should arrive tomorrow thanks to a board member. It is a Spalding No. 3 and is made from basswood, which is even lighter than willow. It is 34" long and weighs 26 ozs. and is made from "polished" basswood, as described in 1879 and 1885 Spalding catalogs.

Well that's about as nice as they come. I can't imagine a more pristine centerbrand than that ancient Basswood Spalding has.

Is there any restoration, or is it actually all-original? Just beautiful!

The backside has a very small period nail repair in the handle unfortunately, but the bat will display beautifully. The label and patina are as good as it gets.

Guys, all those bats are just killers. Thanks Gary for starting this thread.

These two bats were pictured in an 1874 Boston Red Stockings team photo. The labels are not visible, but can anyone identify what type of bats these are?

Hi Paul. The bat on the right sure looks a lot like Jonathan's Snyder bat, even though it is one year earlier.

The one on the right is a typical twine model

The 1874 bat looks thicker and the handle wrap covers less of the bat.

Kevin- Spalding catalogs advertise wound handle bats. Do you know if they mean twine or leather and do you know if any survive?

The Spalding is 35” and the Standard is 38”.
It’s my understanding both are willow.

Here are mine although they don't compare to the others that are posted. I'm guessing the last bat I posted is a 19th century homemade bat. It weighs a ton too.

38 inches long.

Congtrats...
 

Congtrats...
 

Good one....
 

Not an actual bat, but a fairly early bat bag.
 

Most of the players in this photo played in the game in which Harvard led the 1870 Red Stockings by by 5 runs with 2 outs in the nineth
, but lost. This would have been their first loss ever at home. I also like that it has Archie Bush in it, as Cummings threw the first curve ball in a game against him. I love this thread, but have no actual bat, never trusting myself to get a real one. Anyway, hope you enjoy seeing an early bat bag.

Thanks for the kind words and interest in the bats, Carlton...like everyone else, not much to the discoveries other than many years, lots of leg work, and money that wasn't easy to part with!

The Eagle Prize bat was acquired via trade, and the P&S ring bat was an ebay purchase. Soon as it hit the block we apparently made the right offer.

I too love looking at period images and seeing if equipment in the collection matches up...these days (unfortunately), its become quite a pastime.

Jonathan
www.dugouttreasures.com

I have a few 19th century bats to add to the post
 

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1. Banana
2. Ball Balanced
3. Burnt Striped Spalding Mushroom
4. Crown Standard Tiger Maple
5. Fancy Stripe League Bat
6. L.C. Dole & Co.
7. League Club
8. W&D Fungo
9. 1870's Black Walnut
10. Leather grip handle with folk art star
11. Wagon Tongue Double "Strike This Way of Grain"
12. Fancy Grip Spalding Wagon Tongue
13. Fancy The Spalding
14. Town Bat

Great stuff... Love 'em all (especially the Banana!)

So many great bats!

Congtrats...
 

Here's a few more.
 

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Thanks Carlton,

Nothing in comparison to your collections. You guys are the masters!

1860's-1870's bats
 

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1867 Cincinnati Red Stockings Union Grounds Trophy Bat
 

This is a Lignum Vitae trophy bat presented to George Ellard of the Cincinnati Red Stockings for most clean home runs hit in The Grand Tournament of 1867. G. Ellard was one of the founders of the Red Stockings. The bat is 32 inches long and 40 ounces.


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Just jaw-dropping....

I know this is a Bat thread... but simply must acknowledge some of those other insanely rare gems like the fingerless and tipped-finger gloves, pillbox cap, boater style cap, bead-weld mask, Testi Catcher, Lemon Peel and Trophy Balls, and inflatable chest protector (just for a start!)

As a Reds fan, I'm also drooling over the Pennant ensemble. I was the under-bidder many years ago... in an early Mastro Auction if I recall.

Lastly... is that Ted Klu Jersey an actual Gamer? Wow!

Mutual admiration!
 

Mark,

I have enjoyed your collection and Gary's and of course my good friend Carlton's for many years. That's why I call you guys the masters. That's very nice of you to say. I hope we can visit some day soon!

Unbelievable collection! I've seen the image of the black catcher before. That is one of the best baseball images that exists in my opinion. It is riveting.

Thank you John!

One more question...

Is the Catcher statue a depiction of Buck Ewing? It sure resembles him, and I believe it originally appeared on a gorgeous and ornate 19th century clock. The clock is pictured below, as taken from Carlton's website (of course...)

I have the other figural statue (left of the clock), which I believe is a depiction of John M. Ward. Stunning antique artifacts!

Ewing
 

Yeah...it came out of the Hapler sale. I could only afford a piece of the clock. :)

Well, it's definitely the best portion, FWIW :rolleyes:

Javan Emory
 

Gary,
That's Javan Emory. He was an amazing African American ball player. Paul R can give you the story the next time the two of you speak. He is the expert on Javan. That image came off of a glass plate negative. It's museum quality. It's very impressive in person. Please get my number from Paul or Carlton. I'd would be honored to speak with you some time.

Searle's patent bat
 

I have found a reference of this twine grip bat as early as 1868 in Peck and Snyder.
The name Searle's is as plain as day in person. I can't seem to pick it up on my cheap camera!

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/M9E6gT.jpg
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Other side of the bat rack
 

A couple more Spalding bats

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/NbnNbm.jpg

Wow!! unbelievable collection...I know this is a bat thread but can we see more of your collection lol?

The catcher statue right side in the back if that's the one you're talking about was done by P. Testi in 1910 also did the batter and also the pitcher. I have the original batter from 1910 which is in pristine condition. unfortunately for some reason I can't seem to upload my pictures

Difficult to comprehend
 

John, have always known you had a stunning collection but just super stuff, glad you posted.
My favorite, as I think you might have guessed, is the Ellard bat. Such an amazing bridge to the 1869 team, but also to one of the great early histories of baseball, written by his son, but based upon the records and collection of material he saved. Wow!
What is also cool is how many different items, the great collectors on here have noted as their favorites. The essence of collecting.
Thanks again for sharing.

Collection
 

Ron,
I've put enough enough of my junk up on this thread. I do not want to monopolize it.
If you are ever in Cincinnati I'll be happy to show you my stuff and also show you some of my friends collections. There are some awesome collections in the Tri-State area. There is a great deal of baseball, football and basketball history to draw from around here.

Ewing catcher figure
 

Hey Kevin,

We were discussing the smaller catcher to the left of the photo. I really like the Testi statues as well. I have been fortunate enough to acquire the set, (batter, pitcher and catcher), over the years. I'm not sure if you have seen Carlton's website, sportsantiques.com. He is the guru of figural statues. He has pretty much any example to reference on his website. He has been a mentor to me in that regard. He also helped me use ImageShack to upload my photo's on net54. He's a scholar and a gentleman!

Ellard Trophy Bat
 

Thank You Bruce!

I knew that bat would grab your attention being the Red Stockings expert and George and Harry Wright expert that you are. You have been a good friend and mentor to me over the years. I know that you could tell the forum about the Grand Match at Union Grounds in Cincinnati where that trophy bat was presented match better than I ever could.

To me this has been a most enjoyable and informative thread. Thanks to all the posters for sharing their knowledge and fabulous collections. Unfortunately I don't have any 19th century bats to share at this time but, as some of you are aware, I also make replica 19th century bats. These bats are my interpretation and have been inspired by many of the vintage bats posted in this thread. The top bat in the first picture is 39” in length and made of cherry with 2 silver badges. The 2nd and 3rd bats are made of willow and finished with a highly polished lacquer finish. The 4th bat is made of “Tiger Flame” birch and was inspired by an 1860's presentation bat that John has posted in this thread. The miniature bat at the bottom is made of black walnut obtained from the Gibson Guitar Co. In the second picture the top 2 bats are made from the “Tiger Flame” birch and the 3rd bat is made from ash with a leather grip. At times, like now, when you don't have the real thing, I can enjoy these tributes hanging on my wall plus they were a lot of fun to make.

Oh yes I did not see that that is an awesome statue of him just the stuff on here is unbelievable

Bill- Your bats are beautiful works of art. I think they are outstanding.

Great, great items everyone. My favorite is that super rare white band Spalding.

Love the replica cherry bat Bill. Well done.

Works of art!
 

Bill,
Those bats are amazing works of art! I wonder how long it takes just to make one bat. They look extremely labor intensive. How did you learn your craft? I'm sure there were a few splinters along the way!
Let me know when I can have one commissioned!
Thanks for sharing!

Those are all indeed beautiful, Bill... Incredible craftmanship!

Interesting that you obtained some black walnut from the Gibson Guitar Company. Did you have a contact person there? It would never have occurred to me, to source wood from a place like that. But I guess that's what makes you the Bat Guru!

Thanks Gary, Bruce, John and Mark for the kind comments on my replica bats. They are all hand turned from three inch billets. I learned how to use a lathe from a very gracious mentor and, as John says, a lot of splinters along the way. It takes anywhere from about 4hrs to 6hrs depending on the model. Not sure on the willow bats. Willow is soft and hard to work with. The finish on them is about 12 coats of clear lacquer that is hand rubbed with a 9 step sanding process after each third coat.
John, to your question about availability. I do make them for resale, just don't be in a hurry. I only have a couple of the Tiger Flame birch and a couple of the willow billets left and not sure of current availability. After searching the internet for about 8 years I finally found a local mill that could supply me with willow. It took 13 months to get 12 billets and I had to buy the whole tree. Mark, to your question concerning the black walnut mini bat. I traded a ton of low end, flee market type stuff to a former employee of Gibson Guitar for enough black walnut and mahogany to make about 450 mini bats. He said the wood is cut offs and rejects for the guitar necks.

Put me on your list Bill!
 

Hey Bill,
Can you make me a bat with some of your willow to match Gary's beechwood Spalding bat? I don't think any of us will ever see another bat like that again!
I would be honored to have the Rayburn logo on my bat!

John...I can do that. Let me get with Gary on a couple of details and will get back with you. THANKS !!!