Question re. old bat with round knob!

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Posted By: pete

A friend of mine gave me this bat and I love it. It's in beautiful shape. I believe it to be early 20th century. Does anyone know what it's worth? Thanks for any help!

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Posted By: FatBoy

Heres the bat Peter speaks of.

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Posted By: Hal Lewis

http://www.otal.umd.edu/~vg/amst205.F97/vj27/project6/bat_his.html

As you can see from this link, they become "Hillrich & Bradsby" in 1916 ... so the bat is DEFINITELY older than 1916!!

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Posted By: Peter Thomas

I don't really have good idea of value, but would guess over $1,000

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Posted By: Hal Lewis

It was made after 1894, since that is when Hillerich first obtained the trademark for "Louisville Slugger."

After 1905 when Honus Wagner signed with Hillerich & Sons, they started engraving the names of professional players on all bats that were sold in stores.

Thus, since this bat has NO NAME engraved on it...

It was made sometime between 1894 and 1905.

Definitely a GREAT PIECE!!

I agree that I would pay $1,000 for it.

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Posted By: Hal Lewis

Is it for sale, Pete?

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Posted By: pete

sorry...the bat's not for sale!

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Posted By: Anonymous

Thanks for all the help/info folks! I spoke to a gentleman today who was referred to me by the louisville slugger museum. He claims, due to the markings, that it is more specifically from 1897-1904. He says at some point, the bat probably had some kind of decal/sticker near the barrell, and that due to the smooth machining of the round knob, is probably store bought as opposed to game used, but I can always hope!!!!!