Mini Bat Guide

[HolyGrail]

I happen to love the minis because they are pretty close to the full-sized bats and used the same dies for the labels and signatures. Plus they're cheap and often available at shows.

At the Boston Shriner's show a couple of weeks ago I picked up a bealutiful 1960s Brooks Robinson 125 H&B for $10 on the last day. Asking price was $15.

How can you beat that?! I may even have him sign it.

The pre-war models branded in gold are really attractive.

[sicollector1954]

Here are a couple of pics of my 14 inch bat. I believe this to be one of the first mini baseball bats produced by Hillerich and Son. The center label is hard to make out but that is because it is not stamped into the bat....rather it is like an ink transfer....Made by is above the H and S. Burn marks as well....would love to hear more opinions....Thanks.

[minibatsman]

is there a maker mark on the decal. I believe the 1914 Palm & Fetcheler series of Cobb, Wagner, Jackson, Collins , Gowdy and the Burnished Finish decals are a second run of for H&S?. I know there was a run of decals prior to this. Cobb being the most common with four different decals. one before two after?.
Wagner with two. I believe Cobb and Wagner had decals prior to this . the Cobb I have only seen on a mini bat. Wagner I have only seen on full size bats.
your decal appears early. good looking bat.
I have been trying to figure these bats out for years. when I think I know I am wrong.

[sicollector1954]

No makers mark on the decal....it says Used By All Professional League (s) as the s is gone... Talked with a couple of others who thinks it is an early one....that is about all I know on it.

[MGHPro]

What Cobb are you referring to when you say you only saw it on a mini?

Originally Posted by minibatsman

is there a maker mark on the decal. I believe the 1914 Palm & Fetcheler series of Cobb, Wagner, Jackson, Collins , Gowdy and the Burnished Finish decals are a second run of for H&S?. I know there was a run of decals prior to this. Cobb being the most common with four different decals. one before two after?.
Wagner with two. I believe Cobb and Wagner had decals prior to this . the Cobb I have only seen on a mini bat. Wagner I have only seen on full size bats.
your decal appears early. good looking bat.
I have been trying to figure these bats out for years. when I think I know I am wrong.

[minibatsman]

I believe this to be pre 1914. sorry there was two Cobbs on the 1914 sheet. and one cobb after. I would assume they didn't make one decal just for cobb?. anyone with different info please contribute . I would like to know.

the center brand is just as important as the decal. example the 1914 12 inch Wagner bat. or the mistake it comes in different versions . no center brand the reverse decal and the decal over the center brand. the Gowdy decal is the key to dating this series.

this is why I ask is there a makers mark. i cant find one on any of the Cobbs I have seen. similar to your bat. no makers mark.

[MGHPro]

Here it is full size .
https://www.huntauctions.com/live/im...=203&lot_qual=

[minibatsman]

I still believe that decal it pre 1914?. I don't know. I don't believe H&S had decals before 1911?.
the decal is one of the most complete I have seen .

the reason I use center brands and the decals. it is clear H&B continued using the decals for years. but its not clear if they purchased more decals. I believe they had plenty left over from 1914?. I believe if there would have been another purchase or production of them they would be different and Ruth would have one.

similar to the 1914 Wagner bat with no center label . I would prefer a stronger stamp on yours..

Its not the first one i have seen. I think [Palm Brothers?] may have made your decal. that's a guess. I wish I could say it for sure.
it would help clarify a date to the bat.

[atabats]

Not sure exactly which year this 9.5" mini bat is from. Either 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929 or 1930 since these were the years the Philadelphia Athletics won championships. My guess is it's before 1920 because of the use of "World's Champions" instead of "World Champions." Also, the graphics in the oval are very old timey and it says "MADE IN U.S.A." underneath the oval. Thoughts?

[Pagliman]

I have collected Mini bats for about 30 years. Mainly interested in H&B 125 pre-1968 (is this when they stopped burning in?). About 400 total bats in my collection. Maybe 30 or so of the 14-inch variety. Most recent find was a Pie Traynor. I do not have any of the classic decal bats of the early 1900's. However, some years ago I acquired bats with decals of Wagner, Jackson, Collins and Cobb (2 different). The decals have the "classic" look, but the bats have center brands that were used in the 60's. Two have the "Reg U S Pat Off" under the brand and three have the "circle R" after Louisville Slugger. The bats are all in Mint condition. Actually look brand new. Anyone else seen these?