Any Hillerich and Bradsby Bat Experts? 1910's H&B Decal Bat UPDATED WITH PICS

[Huysmans]

Hey Brendan

Photos would help, and the bat's length is important as well.

[Bpm0014]

For sure. And I will when I get home. I was just wondering if there were any defining characteristics in the markings/barrel/label etc. that separated store and game used (for decal bats). I believe that "MADE BY" above "JF HILLERICH AND SON CO." means that it is a possible gamer. Or no? Size is 34" 38oz, 1911-1916 labeling period. Thanks!

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

For sure. And I will when I get home. I was just wondering if there were any defining characteristics in the markings/barrel/label etc. that separated store and game used (for decal bats). I believe that "MADE BY" above "JF HILLERICH AND SON CO." means that it is a possible gamer. Or no? Size is 34" 38oz, 1911-1916 labeling period. Thanks!

It's my impression that retail, decal models usually came in a variety of lengths. I found this advert over at the Keyman's Collectibles site. Can't wait for you to tell us whose bat it is!

[Bpm0014]

Bottom left haha. However the center brand doesn't have 40FB. It has MADE BY. I'm trying to do some research and I beleive that 40FB was retail and MADE BY was pro model. But I haven't quite figured it out yet!

[Bpm0014]

Bump. Anyone that can help? I'll post pics later today...

[perezfan]

I have a Nap Lajoie "Made By" example that Mears has graded "A8". The LOA references it as a game used model, and I have seen this on numerous other examples. The LOA also focuses largely on the "hand turned" aspect of the bat.

Another defining feature I have noticed is that the wood is of ultimate highest quality. Very tight grain and a smooth surface that's almost more like marble than 100 year old wood. I have other store model decal bats (Wagner, Jackson, Cobb, Gowdy) that are much more typical in terms of the wood quality.

Hope this is helpful.

[Bpm0014]

Thanks Mark! So MADE BY doesn't necessarily mean that it was a player model bat? Is that correct? And thus, MADE BY could have been both retail and/or game model? Did I read your post correctly? Thanks again man!