FS: Babe Ruth Hanna Batrite Professional Model 1930-1934 (Cracked)

[Billyscards]

FS: $4,000 (entertaining reasonable offers)

Original Vintage 1930-1934 Hanna Batrite Professional Model Game Used Babe Ruth Bat(Measures roughly 35 inches and weight appx 36.8 ounces - consistent with Ruth playing days bats)

Please: Do your research! You will find that this is an original vintage 1930-1934 era professional model Babe Ruth Burke Hanna Batrite Company baseball bat. Ruth's bat's were standard at 35 inches and tended to weigh in the range of 36-52 oz's. Weight loss for aged bats is common and this bat (even with the crack) weighs at 36.8oz.

"TA" was the code used by Hanna to identify their top of the line bat model. TA was used on bats ordered by plaers as well as those sent to stores. The most important information uncovered by MEARS comes from court documents originating from a lawsuit between Hillerich and Bradsby and Hanna. Ruth's teammate, Lou Gehrig testified that he was under the impression that Hanna bats bearing his name on the barrel were for his professional use only, and not sold in stores. The same can be assumed for player name stamped bats such as this Ruth, yet a 1930 catalog offers Ruth and other player models to consumers.

This TA55 Ruth model back is cracked and un-restored. The assumption could be made that given the time period (Great depression), an un-restored bat would be just that based on the significance of its use. Perhaps someone wanted to keep the bat in its original condition post Ruth usage. Most bats of this era will feature nails and restoration to use the bats in sandlot style games. There are several ball, cleat marks on this bat to show usage in games. The factory stamping is both deep and dark and the ash has taken on a deep warm tone with age. There is also evidence of tar or some sort of adhesive on the handle end of the bat (based on tone). The knob end also has patent info stamped into it and the wood cracked a slight bit with age.

Again the length is consistent with Ruth's game used bats of that era. Babe's bats were 35-42 ounces based on MEARS evaluations but they also state that it is not unlikely that a bat could have lost up to 5 ounces due to age. So this bat could have been in the 40-42 oz range.

Once and a lifetime shot at owning a Bat like this. Serious bidders only and no returns as this is a "FINAL SALE". All inquiries and questions should come before presenting an offer. Being sold "AS IS" however I have additional information from the owner of MEARS that can be provided for reference purposes only.