Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
When the United States entered World War I in April of 1917, every aspect of life was suddenly geared towards war - including baseball. The games brightest stars all signed up for service in France - Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson and Branch Rickey actually served together in the same gas warfare unit. Almost immediately the YMCA, Knights of Columbus and other organizations started "bat and ball funds" to send equipment to the troops. The War Department wisely realized the benefits of baseball as both a team-building exercise and recreation to keep the new recruits out of trouble. A large portion of the equipment sent for use by the troops were professional model bats. These were mostly models made to same specs as the best players in the game - like this Ty Cobb C28 model. Weighting 37 oz and measuring 33" (1" shy of Cobb's usual orders), this Hillerich & Bradsby bat features the small knob and consistent barrel taper favored by the Georgia Peach during this period. Most interesting is the "WAR DEPARTMENT" stamp found just to the left of the H&B center brand. The circular stamp has a winged athletic shoe and the words "WAR DEPARTMENT COMMISSION ON TRAINING CAMP ACTIVITIES". Since no Hillerich & Bradsby catalog has been found that offers bats with this special stamp, most advanced collectors believe these War Department bats were made only for use by our troops. As such, the bat looks to have seen some real action during the war. The bat exhibits heavy use: dead wood is found on both the front and reverse of the barrel and a 6" crack is visible on the handle. A chip has been taken out of the knob and the remains of one ring of adhesive tape is found on its handle. The factory stamping, including the War Department stamp, is still deep and easily readable. Letter of Authenticity from bat experts MEARS who have graded this unique wartime bat AUTHENTIC.