How old is a hillerich and bradsby no 13 bat?

Answer 1

Hillerich & Bradsby Co. Louisville Slugger has used different oval center brands in their history. By identifying the center label, trade marks, and patens you can narrow down the year to what era the bat was made. For example: a bat made between 1916 - 1929 will have HILLERERICH & BRADSBY Co in the center label as opposed to J.F. HILLERERICH & SON Co as the bats made before. TRADE MARK REG US PAT OFF appears below the oval and changed to TRADE MARK REG in 1930. "Bone Rubbed" is a process to harden the surface of the bat and appears on bats made in the 1920s The "Powerized" process was first used, and patented by the Hillerich & Bradsby Co. in 1931 and has pat. pending beneath the stamp. Powerized and Bone Rubbed" logo is used during the 1932 season. In 1933 and 1934 you will see it stamped "Powerized and Oil Tempered" which usually is a very light heat foil type print. in 1935 until present, they go with just "Powerized"

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Answer 2

Hillerich & Bradsby also known as Louisville Slugger has been making bats for well over a hundred years. I spoke with Brian Hillerich recently and this is what he told me about model numbers associated with H&B bats. And yes, I asked him because of your question. They didn't start model numbers until the late 30's to the early 40's. The way it worked was, when a ballplayer made an order they used the first initial of his last name and then a corresponding number. Whoever's order came in first, that was their model number. A good example is the Jackie Robinson model is the R-17 while the Babe Ruth model is R-43. It seems Jackie Robinson's order came in before Babe Ruth ever ordered a bat from H&B. So, according to Hillerich, the worst thing that ever came out of H&B was the model number system. They don't even know all the model numbers at H&B since many of them have been lost to time. I have taken a look at a few model numbers and have found none with four digits in the model number. And if Mr. Hillerich is to be believed, there can't be a model number O6112 since only abut 4000 models exist. A picture's worth a thousand words. Better yet, send a picture to me and I'll have Mr Hillerich to ascertain its vintage.