Babe Ruth H & B bat
 

Today I purchased a 20s babe ruth H&B bat in very good condition however it has minor surface scratches and is not clean. I would like to keep its collectible value but use a product that will remove dirt and will bring out the rich wood color and polish for purposes of displaying. I have been buying other vintage bats but have been careful not to do the wrong thing but am ready to prepare them for display as well. Would love any expertise on products I can safely use.

Post some pictures and I think you'll get a better response

Sorry. Can't seem to post pic using my iPad. Is there a universal product that can clean up an old bat without hurting its value?

Try lemon oil

if you can't post a picture is it a 125 model is it up 40BR model what is it

Yes it's a 40BR powerized so I am guessing 1933 or so.

I usually use paste wax and fine steel wool Buff it after it dries

Steel wool? That's definitely not the route I would go..

the finest steel wool and paste wax together just to take the surface dirt off.

:eek:

I'd still be biting my nails watching that lol

I use steel wool too - it's ok - just get as many 0 as possible .. If you over use it you can take some finish off .

Matt you are correct triple quadruple Zeros work well

Thanks all. I followed your advice and used formbys lemon oil after using a light application of murphys oil soap to remove dirt. I liked the result. Still learning however - have several vintage bats but have been reluctant to clean knowing how delicate cleaning any vintage / antique example can be. Still refraining from using steel wool not saying it doesn't work. I just can't undo what I have already done :)

Looking forward to adding other bats to my vintage sports collection as time goes by. Thanks

You did what I do, clean with Murphy's oil soap and follow up with lemon oil.

John