This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2012
Honus Wagner holds the distinction of signing the first endorsement contract with Hillerich & Bradsby, but Lajoie wasn’t far behind. Just several weeks later, on September 12th, 1905, Napoleon Lajoie of the Cleveland Naps inked a deal to endorse Louisville products.
Not until 1918 did the great Babe Ruth popularize the practice of having a big league style professionally branded facsimile signature appear on player endorsed bats. Previous to 1918, the major leaguers used blank barrel or professional model decal bats (sans inch marks).
MEARS has evaluated two additional 1905-11 Lajoie JF Hillerich & Sons Professional Model Game Used Decal Bats. (MEARS A6 & MEARS A8)
This is the higher grade of the two (other example graded MEARS A6). This Napoleon Lajoie J.F. Hillerich & Son professional model decal bat is what he would have used immediately after signing his original endorsement contract.
Examination reveals this game used Lajoie bat reveals the following:
1905-11 Dating: The centerbrand, “MADE BY J.F. HILLERICH & SON, LOUISVILLE, KY”, was used from
1897-1911. With Lajoie signing his contact during 1905, we used this as the starting date.
Model L22: Per his file card on record with H&B, his bat was recorded as the L22.
Factory records: According to his H&B file card, the following information was recorded: Endorsement
contract September 12, 1905, File card: His Old Lajoie, 35.5”, 40 oz, L22, Caliper only. Round end. 1911 order: No specified Model, 42 Oz.
Length (35”): This bat at its current length, 35”, is within an acceptable range of factory records of Lajoie. It should be noted that MEARS evaluated an additional Lajoie 1005-11 professional model decal bat. It measured 34”. This bat’s length of 35” is the closer of the two to his recorded order.
Weight (36 ounces): At its current weight, this bat is within an acceptable range to what is recorded via H&B factory records to have been used by Lajoie.
Barrel End (Round): As noted on his personal file card, Lajoie requested a rounded end bat, this matches that requested model.
Wood: Examination reveals a professional grade ash, with a narrow grain and some knotting. A flame
treated finish has been applied.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use which is evenly distributed from knob to the rounded barrel
end. A dozen or more cleat marks are scattered on the barrel end. Remnants of tape removal are found
on the handle.
Decal Bats in the Major Leagues: Photographic documentation proves professional model decal bats
were used in the big leagues. MEARS has archived the following references are used to support this fact:
1. 1902-15 circa undated photo of Hall of Fame catcher Roger Bresnahan using a decal bat from an
unknown supplier.
2. 1914 Hank Gowdy was mentioned in the 1939 H&B catalog as using a decal bat during the World
Series.
3. 1908 circa Ty Cobb photo using a decal bat.
4. 1905-11 Honus Wagner Professional Model decal bat examined by MEARS.
Therefore, both photographic and an additional bat
supports the fact decal bats were used in the major leagues during the 1905-11 era.
Therefore both actual examples and documented photographs are archived to support the fact decal
bats were used during the 1905-11 circa in the major leagues.
Grading MEARS A7.5: Receiving a base grade of 5 points for being consistent with known player ordering traits with respect to length, weight, and model, 3 points for heavy game use, minus ½ point for tape residue and slight flaking of barrel.
With over 25 years experience, this is the third professional model 1905-11 JF Hillerich & Sons Professional Model Game Used Decal bat examined by MEARS, and the second highest graded example. A
rare opportunity to add one of the game’s greatest deadball era player’s to your collection.
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS