Bat questions

[aelefson]

Hi-
I recently acquired the two bats scanned below and I was wondering if someone might be able to help me with a few questions I have. The first bat scanned appears to be a "ring" bat. There is a blue diamond between the rings but I cannot make out a factory name. Does anyone know what company used the blue diamond for its bat labels? Is this a "ring" bat? Approximately when was it made? It is small (about 31 inches) and very thin.
The second bat is a Spalding No 2 bat (case hardened and air dried). Any idea when this one was manufactured? It is approximately 32.5 inches long and has the Spalding logo on the knob.
Any additional information about either of these bats would be greatly appreciated. I will try to post digital pictures (if needed) later this week.
Thanks in advance,
Alan Elefson
aelefson@hotmail.com

[aelefson]

Hi-
I had a friend take some better photos and they are shown below. Any idea on the blue diamond label on the "ring" bat, or the approximate age of either bat? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Alan

[BrockJacob]

Hey Alan,
I think I can help you out a little with the ring bat. The blue diamond shape throws me off a little but the rings scream Wright & Ditson. Its the only bat maker I can recall that had that distinct ring design. It dates to circa 1880. Like you metioned, a little small, but really nice bat. Congrats.

[aelefson]

Thanks Brock! I really appreciate the information (I didn't even consider that certain companies had distinctive ring placement). Does anyone have any thoughts convcerning the approximate age of the Spalding bat?
Thanks in advance,
Alan

[khkco4bls]

spalding bat is 1920s.

[jbsports33]

Alan,

I have sold many similar Spalding bats, I agree 1920s store model - these are popular with collectors because of the deep burn similar to the H&B bats

Jimmy

[aelefson]

Thanks guys! I liked the look and feel of the Spalding but I am really excited about the Wrigt and Ditson ring bat (despite its condition and size). I have a few more bats I am trying to research that I might post here at some point this weekend.

On a seperate but related topic, is there a good book on store model bats that someone could suggest? I would love a guide to help identify bats (player and non player types) and approximate ages. Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Alan