Being a glove collector, and having no real knowledge of bats, can anyone offer any input on a bat I have acquired recently?
It's a Wright & Ditson Victor, and stamped Major League Special No. 94 Model 5. It measures 33" and is really a beautiful looking bat. The bat is stamped Wright & Ditson Victor on the end of the handle as well. It does have a crack in the handle, that's not through. I am looking to sell the bat, or trade, but would like to learn a bit about it first. I have pic's and can e-mail to anyone interested.
Hi Mike -- glad to hear you're a glove collector.
Your Wright & Ditson - Victor Company #94 bat I found in the 1924 W&D-V catalog.
It is described as:
"Major League Special
Made from extra specially selected, finest quality, densest, toughest, second growth northern white ash. Thoroughly air dried, Light yellow stained, hard filled; double oil tempered by boiling in oil on two successive days. Made in six assorted models. Packed one dozen to a crate; either assorted models or all of one model to a crate, as may be ordered....Each $2.50."
This was the most expensive bat in the Wright & Ditson-Victor Line that year and possibly used by major league players. The barrel showed:
"Wright& Ditston - Victor
Major League Special
No. 94 Model"
(it's not sure this was actually stamped on the barrel, but does show this on the illustration in the catalog)
Spalding owned the Wright & Ditson-Victor Company. The Victor name was dropped later on and this operation was added to the Reach line and the new name became Reach, Wright & Ditson.
Hope this helps!
Joe Phillips
