Great Week for Auction Finds! 19th Century Bat

[PGriffin]

Looking for a idea on the age of this bat, Looks very similar to many of the 1860's- 1870's trophy bats. It was hand turned as there are still tool marks visable and at one point appears to have been painted blue. Bat is roughly 35 inches, and very thin. I picked it up this along with an amazing glove over the weekend. I paid 25 bucks for the bat and 125 for the glove at seprate sales. I have put a moden gamer next to it for comparison.

[vintagesportscollector]

Nice Lutzke-style 3-finger glove. The condition appears to be fantastic....nice rolled piping and lining.

I'll defer my opinipon on the 19th century bat because that's not my best area of expertise. I have a hard time dating 19th century bats. Mike H. or Rob L. probably would have a better opinion....But that does look like other bats that I have seen that are believed to be 19th century..could be an 1860s townball bat??

That being said I would have snatched that bat up for $25 too(and more).

[Rob L]

Awesome bat. It definitely appears early, I'm would say in the 1860s to 1870s range. Definitely a steal for $ 25.00.

Rob L

[PGriffin]

This bat is by far now possibly one of my favorite items in my collection, it is certainly something which is not often often found. As for the glove its conditon is great, very soft not rips or tears. It is a Goldsmith, and still does have some silver left in its lettering. This one is also a keeper for my glove collection. Now if I can only find a nice workmans glove I can finally take a break for a while.

[mjkm90]

That look like an early Richmond bat. I have one very similar. The dating is probably about right. Value on the bat is the tough part. In REA it could bring $200-$400 with the proper write up. On ebay, maybe $50-$100. The glove is extremely nice. Easily $250-$350 with the right collectors going for it. Both are outstanding pickups.

[mjkm90]

My mistake on the style. This is a Massachusettes style bat.

[Rob L]

Hi Mike,

Are you sure about the Mass. game bat? When did the switch from the flat bat to the round bat occur for the Mass. bats? Also, if it is a Mass. bat, this one would likely be earlier, ie. 1850s.


Rob L

[mjkm90]

Hi Rob,
My understanding has always been that the knob, thin barrel, and handle shape are what distinguished the Mass. bats. All of these were hand made from tool handles, wagon spokes, etc. As far as dating is concerned, that is nearly impossible to determin. These bats could easily have been made in 1880 on an individual basis even though barrel diameter was increasing at the time.

[vintagesportscollector]

Here's a bat that just sold on Mastro. Nice example.

http://www.mastroauctions.com/index....8&CurrentRow=1

How would you guys compare PGriffin's bat to this one? Same style and era?

Mike- Can we see yours for some more comparison? I am trying to learn about these bats/

Here is a bat that a guy emailed me about to get my opinion on. To me it looked like a "town ball" era bat, but the short length 30", concerned me. Could it just be more of a child length from that era? opinions?





Finally, here is a picture of another bat but I don't recall where I go this pic from...

[mjkm90]

Here are a couple pics of mine.