Rogers Hornsby model army bat

[Oil Can Dan]

Does anyone know anything about Hillerich & Bradsby bats labelled SPECIAL SERVICES, U.S. ARMY? I have had a "Rogers Hornsby model" bat with this labelling since 1984.

I found a picture of a bat that is similar in every way EXCEPT the label above "Safe Hit" on mine has the army wording listed above whereas this one simply has "U.S.".

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/s/lot-1410859.html

Does anyone have any idea what I have, what era it's from and what a general idea on its value might be?

[slidekellyslide]

I have a Special Services Joe DiMaggio Bat (model J.D.s 40) that I paid $80 for about two years ago....It is in immaculate condition. I can't tell you much about it at all....and I even asked Troy Kinnunen when I saw him in Chicago and he had never seen one...so who knows? There just isn't a lot of info out there on store model bats....I also have a Charlie Gehringer Hanna Batrite Special Services model that I've never been able to find any info on.

[mjkm90]

Special services gloves are quite common. The bats less so. They were produced for the military so troops could play ball while away from home. Some collectors seek them out, others prefer they not be stamped. I believe it hurts value more than it helps, but they are still good quality pieces.