For consideration, 1900-14 circa Kid Elberfeld Major League Professional Model Game Used Bat. Another very rare bat which originated directly from the archives of Louisville Slugger.
History: The M.R. Campbell Co. had a similar entry story to the baseball bat market as did famed the Louisville Slugger factory. In the early 1900s, the JF Hillerich Co. began to manufacturer baseball bats from wagon tongues that had been used for covered wagons. The M.R. Campbell Co. operated a hub & spoke company, and decided to compete against Hillerich, D&M, Spalding, Wright & Ditson and others for a share of the baseball bat market.
Collection of MEARS staff.
Regarding this particular model, produced by the M.R. Campbell, we can only estimate its dating to 1900-14, to roughly correspond with the career of Kid Elberfeld. The bat measures 33" in length, and currently weighs 35.3 ounces. The knob is hand turned, a trait commonly associated with professional issuance. Although slightly possible this bat was a store model, it is highly unlikely as similar M.R. Campbell player endorsed bats are not found in the market place. This is the first Elberfeld player model bat examined by MEARS.
The bat exhibits heavy game use, surface ball marks, and a multiple handle crack. The crack is significant to the history of this bat, as this was the reason that the bat was shipped to H&B for a new bat to be produced by their company. Remnants of side writing return, confirming the fact this bat was once archived for future models to be produced.
Grade: MEARS Authentic