Vintage(?) Bat Question

[hiramman]

Need some input from you bat collectors. Ran across this Nelson Fox bat the other day and just wondered if it is a store model or a game model. It has Powerized on it, but also has NF2 on the knob.

Any input would be appreciated.

[b.heagy]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

store model. NF2 = Nelson Fox 32 inches.

[ironmanfan]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

The inch marks on the knob confirm that it's a store model/retail bat

[corsairs22]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

Also, the lightness of the center brand and signiture suggests a store model.

[hiramman]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

Thats what I thought. I snapped a few photos of it but didn't buy it.

Thanks

[b.heagy]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

foil stamping on louisville sluggers is the dead giveaway.

[b.heagy]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

except for the modern stuff.

[hiramman]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

So I'm taking that the vintage bats had the brand & markings burned into the bats?

[b.heagy]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

branded logos with powerized, NOT flame tempered. No inch marks or initials on knob. Model numbers were added to the knobs in the mid/late 30s I believe.

[MiLe HigH]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

Hope this isn't a hijack but an extension...I have a LS Nelson Fox with C12 stamped on the handle its 35" but it has Western State College under his name? I had read some where that bats were given to institutions and other organizations by players or could be bought at stores? Any help on this Nellie Fox extension...Thanks

[MSpecht]

Re: Vintage(?) Bat Question

That would be a bat ordered by Western State College and shipped to them for college use. Basically, most college orders were similar to Team Index orders, such as "100 assorted models ... assorted lengths ... assorted weights" or possibly a bit more specific, such as "25 each S2, K55, C271, B263 -- lengths between 34"-36', weights between 32 oz - 34 oz." H & B would then fill the order using pro stock (index) bats of players with whom they had endorsement contracts. For example, K55 models would often be branded with Mickey Mantle's name; R43 models would often be found with Hank Aaron's name on the barrel, etc. Fortunately, for collectors, the college's name was also branded on the barrel label, replacing the words "Louisville Slugger."

Value of these bats is minimal, although I have seen a model G69 Lou Gehrig model that was sent to Columbia University --- pretty sweet.

Mike jackitout7@aol.com