1860's/70's Base Ball Bat

[jpop43]

Just picked up this circa 1870 Base Ball Bat, and thought I might share it. It is 33" in length, in tremendous condition, and bound in leather from the knob up to the beginning of the barrel.

Aside from the images of the bat are an ad that I found from Ward B. Snyder (the brother of Snyder from Peck and Snyder fame) showing this style of bat circa 1875, and a 19th century player holding a very similar, if not exact type of bat...going thru 19th century player/team pics, we've seen a number of this type and style of bat.

We have a couple of these in our collection now, and were wondering if there are any others out there for the sake of comparison.

Thanks.
http://www.dugouttreasures.com

[jbsports33]

Very nice bat, what really made these stand out is the unique top portion of the barrel.

Jimmy

[jpop43]

Just another couple of 19th century images (circa 1870) depicting teams/players with this type of wrapped handle bat...

http://www.dugouttreasures.com

[perezfan]

Boy, that's certainly a fine example you got there! Nicest I've seen... these are also referred to as "rattan handled" bats and are quite desirable. I don't have any to post (but wish I did).

I do have an example very similar to the bottom one pictured in the ad (with painted handle... not wound). The only difference is that mine has a ball knob... otherwise the shape and markings are identical.

Congrats on a wonderful acquisition!

[jpop43]

Thanks....here are links to the images of our other examples of this style of bat. They are darker grained wood, and 1 inch longer, but the bound handles are exactly the same.

http://www.dugouttreasures.com/produ...D=4&prodID=483
http://www.dugouttreasures.com/produ...ID=4&prodID=57

[perezfan]

Those are just great examples.... thanks for the links.

A quick question.... the very few of these I've seen have partially or mostly un-wound handles. Usually they are found at least partially unraveled. I have yet to see three as nice as those that you posted.

These completely wound handles are stunning, and are in amazing condition. Do you know (or can you tell) if these are restored? If they remain in their natural (fully present) state, they must be among the best extant!