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

[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.

[Mark]

Looking forward to those pics.....

[Bpm0014]

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[Bpm0014]

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[Bpm0014]

From what little bit of the decal remaining I can see, it's 100% Home Run Baker. Also has bat rack marks, cleat marks, ball marks. Also bat is slight bigger than 34" and weighs 38oz.

[perezfan]

Definitely a Frank Baker model.

I'd send it to Mears or PSA, if you want a professional assessment. Of course much of their determination depends on the length, weight, use characteristics, and that tape job (and whether they match known Frank Baker exemplars). The taping could've been done at anytime during the bat's lifetime, so would be good to get clarification on that aspect as well.

I think it is potentially a "gamer", and hope you'll share the results with us if you proceed with the authentication. Best of luck!

[Bpm0014]

Thanks brother! I'm going to actually send it in to PSA and see what they say... I thought I had something special, I just wanted to do my homework first before I asked for help.

[Mark]

Beautiful Baker bat. Congratulations. If I had that bat, I would send it to John Taube: he has certified Baker bats with that length and weight as pro-model bats. I, too, would be very curious to learn what PSA or Mears have to say about the knob, wood, pro use, etc.