Why does my Louisville Slugger 40 bat only have a B.R. instead of B.R.S. on it?

Answer 1

The designation 40 was a secondary line of retail store model bats of the Hillerich & Bradsby co. that started production of this model around 1916. The 40 model bats would have the player endorsed initials following as 40 B.R. (40 Babe Ruth endorse bat) and were common during the 1920's. The B.R.S. following the 40 stand for Babe Ruth Special, and was common during the 1930 - 1947 labeling period. On this bat the word Special would appear on the barrel. If you have a 40 B.R. Baseball bat with the word Special on the Barrel then you have a different version of the bat and you can date your bat by using the information as follows.

The dating of the bat is one of the most important factors on value along with condition. 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"

For more information on dating your vintage Louisville Slugger baseball bats, See Related Links below. .