I know that H&B records are considered incomplete and not entirely accurate as to what left the factory.
I was wondering if anyone knows of an actual, documented game used bat from 1950s / 1960s that has all of the factory recorded characteristics of a player model, but for lack of quality control or whatever, the model number was not placed on the bat knob?
I know players from the 50s and 60s didn't get a lot of bats as today's players do, so was wondering about a pro bat with no factory record of being shipped without the model number on the knob.
Mistakes and oversights happen, and I'm looking for information and/or documentation of actual game used pro bats that meet all the criteria for a player's bat, excluding the model number on the knob. I'm referring to bats after the early 40s when model numbers started appearing on knobs.
I have been collecting vintage bats for over 20 years and have never seen a 50's Louisville Slugger Professional Model Bat without a model number on the knob. I have seen a couple of bats from the 70's that were legitimate gamers, but not from the 50's - and 60's for that matter. You should also take into consideration the weight and length of the bat to see if that matches factory records, as well as the quality of the wood and any potential game characteristics the bat may have. Also check to see if the knob has been doctored to remove the model number. If the player was a popular player, there is a chance the bat was ordered from the team, especially if it's not the correct length and or weight. If I can help in any way, please let me know. Jim ( Bronxbats )
I used to have a 1950's Wally Moon bat that was missing the model number on the knob. It just was never put on at the H&B factory. While I didn't have access to check the factory records, I remember it was 35", and had a well worn #9 (his uniform number) on the knob. I am sure it was his game used bat since it came in a batch I bought of over 30 bats (including Mays, Musial, and Snider) from the guy who was the Dodger ballboy back then, and they all checked out. The Moon was the only one missing the model number.
