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

[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!

[eastonfalcon19]

I have 2 Lajoie bats and the wood grain is really beautiful on both bats. I also have a Frank Baker bat and the wood is not as nice as the Lajoies. I will post pictures tonight.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by 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!

Crap, sorry if I was not clear on that...

"Made By" indicates a PROFESSIONAL MODEL Bat.

The Player's initials within the centerbrand indicates a STORE MODEL Bat.

Of course there may be a few exceptions, but this is the general rule of thumb. My LaJoie is the only one I have with "Made By" in the centerbrand. The others (Wagner, Cobb, Jackson, Gowdy) all have just the typical initials. And as stated earlier, the LaJoie appears to be of much higher quality than the others.