For the purpose of evaluation, MEARS inspected this 1943-48 Frank Gustine Pittsburgh Pirates H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model game-used bat. Gustine was an All Star from 1946-48, and started the 1947 All Star game at third base.

Examination of the centerbrand revealed the bat was consistent with the H&B centerbrand manufacturing process used during 1943-49. Located on the knob was the player requested model number R43. Frank Gustine was factory stamped on the barrel with a facsimile signature taken from his signed H&B player endorsement contract. On the knob in vintage, faded black marker was the uniform number 16. Gustine wore uniform number 16 in Pittsburgh during the 1943-48 seasons  before being traded to the Chicago Cubs on 8 December 1948.  He was assigned the 6 by the Cubs for the 1949 season.  As such, based on a combination of manufacturer's characturistics and inscribed player uniform number on the knob, this bat is dated to the period of 1943-48.

The bat measures 35" and weighs 32.75 ounces. This R43 model bat was manufactured by H&B with a regular sized knob, round barrel, and fashioned from seasoned professional grade ash. The bat exhibits significant use with visible stitch marks above and below the barrel stampings. In addition to the stitch marks, there are dozens of faded ball marks. Bluish/green bat rack marks are found on several surfaces of the bat's barrel. An 8" handle crack which has began to separate extends from the upper region of the handle and passes two inches behind the upper circle of the H&B centerbrand. The handle exhibits no signs of tape nor pinetar. The significant overall use is very consistent and can be found covering the entire area of the bat from handle to barrel end. The factory stampings of the centerbrand, powerized, and player signature are all deep and free of blemishes.

Final Grade: MEARS A8.5. Based grade of 5 points was established as being a professional model, 3 points for significant use, 1 point of vintage #16 on knob, minus ½ point for handle crack.