19th Century Bats

[GaryPassamonte]

Originally Posted by Bill Rayburn

That's great Gary, as we are all painfully aware that most of the time the history of these relics is lost over time. By the way, Nashville has a very active Vintage Base Ball Society. Actually that bat might belong a little closer to home...Hint...Hint.

You'll be the second to know if it goes anywhere, Bill. The previous owner has first dibs. He's from Kentucky, also.

[khkco4bls]

This is the only one I kept from my collection. 39" and immaculate cond. Out of a house in upstate New York Do not know what the S trademark means

[perezfan]

I believe the "S" is for Standard Bat Company, though I could be wrong.

[perezfan]

Forgot to say.......... Gorgeous Bat!

[pedodds]

Killer bat Kevin!

[khkco4bls]

Thanks guys the 1 bat I couldn't part with.

[GaryPassamonte]

I get it, Kevin. It is a great bat.

[Shoelessseb]

Here are 2 bats that I bought maybe 10 years ago. I guess those are custom bats from the 19th century but I would like to have your opinion. Andy idea of their value ? I bought them $1 each so I don’t mind if they’re worthless lol They display nicely in my memorabilia room.

[JoeDfan]

I can't tell from the pic; are they kind of flat on the barrel end?

[BruceinGa]

Originally Posted by Bill Rayburn

To me this has been a most enjoyable and informative thread. Thanks to all the posters for sharing their knowledge and fabulous collections. Unfortunately I don't have any 19th century bats to share at this time but, as some of you are aware, I also make replica 19th century bats. These bats are my interpretation and have been inspired by many of the vintage bats posted in this thread. The top bat in the first picture is 39” in length and made of cherry with 2 silver badges. The 2nd and 3rd bats are made of willow and finished with a highly polished lacquer finish. The 4th bat is made of “Tiger Flame” birch and was inspired by an 1860's presentation bat that John has posted in this thread. The miniature bat at the bottom is made of black walnut obtained from the Gibson Guitar Co. In the second picture the top 2 bats are made from the “Tiger Flame” birch and the 3rd bat is made from ash with a leather grip. At times, like now, when you don't have the real thing, I can enjoy these tributes hanging on my wall plus they were a lot of fun to make.

Fantastic Bill! I'm impressed at your skill and quality of work.
I'm a woodturner and now I see how I'll be spending my time at my lathe.

[Bill Rayburn]

Originally Posted by BruceinGa

Fantastic Bill! I'm impressed at your skill and quality of work.
I'm a woodturner and now I see how I'll be spending my time at my lathe.

Thanks Bruce for the kind words. I hope you enjoy making the bats as much as I do.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by GaryPassamonte

Since the game used bats thread is going so well, I thought I'd start another bat thread showing bats from my favorite era, the 19th century. Here's a tiger maple bat acquired from a fellow board member a few years ago.

Revisiting this great thread...

Gary, that Tiger Maple Bat is just stunning. The shaping of the bat and its marble-like patina are nothing short of gorgeous.

[GaryPassamonte]

Thanks, Mark.

Here's one bat I'd appreciate any feedback on. It has an interesting ribbed handle and is 34" long. I'm not sure of the weight, but it is quite heavy. 19th century or not?

[Bill Rayburn]

Gary, you sure can come up with some unique bats. I certainly don't have a definitive answer for you but I will hazard a guess of late 1800's or very early 1900's. The rounded barrel end, taper and size of the knob would all indicate that time span. Beautiful graining and good lathe skills on the handle. Nice bat.