MacGregor 'Powered' Baseball Bat, Model S425F
Sporting artifact, wood-turned equipment • MacGregor Sporting Goods Company, Cincinnati, Ohio
Style & Movement
Mid-century American industrial design and sporting goods manufacturing
Medium & Technique
Turned ash or hickory wood with heat-branded / center-brand stenciling and clear lacquer finish
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (approximately 1950s-1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Cylindrical format, approximately 33-35 inches in length with a standard barrel diameter
Subject Description
A vintage baseball bat featuring the iconic MacGregor center brand logo within a vertical rectangle and oval border. Includes the 'Powered' branding with a characteristic lightning bolt graphic, 'Made in U.S.A.', and the model number S425F.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; shows signs of age-related patina and light surface wear but branding remains crisp
Estimated Market Value
US$50 - US$150 (varies based on length and specific player endorsement if present on the barrel)
Auction Estimate
US$40 - US$100
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial sporting good; likely originated from a private collection of athletic equipment or a general retailer in the United States.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the Golden Age of American baseball manufacturing; MacGregor was a major competitor to Louisville Slugger, notable for their presence in Cincinnati's industrial history.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'Powered' logo with lightning bolt; Cincinnati, Ohio manufacturing mark; Model No. S425F and the registered trademark 'R' symbol.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions, slight darkening (patina) of the wood, potential compression marks from use, and fine crazing of the original lacquer.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a temperature-controlled environment; avoid high humidity to prevent wood rot or warping; display horizontally on padded brackets to avoid stress on the wood grain.