Vintage Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat (Model 102)
Sporting artifact / Manufactured object • Manufactured by Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Louisville, Kentucky
Style & Movement
Mid-20th Century Sporting Goods / Americana
Medium & Technique
Turned white ash wood with center brand heat-tempered or roll-pressed oval-style decal and stamping
Creation Period
Circa 1940s to early 1950s (based on the Hillerich & Bradsby Co. oval logo and "Made in U.S.A." type style)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 33-35 inches in length; cylindrical tapering format
Subject Description
A professional-grade baseball bat featuring the iconic circular 'center brand' indicative of Louisville Slugger production; includes the model number '102' and manufacturer location details within the oval border
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows significant surface wear, checking of the wood grain, and fading of the center brand stamping
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 (varies significantly based on potential player association or handle markings not visible)
Auction Estimate
$40 - $120
Provenance History
Authentic factory-applied branding for Louisville, KY; typical of bats sold for institutional, semi-pro, or retail use during the mid-century period
Art Historical Significance
Represents the industrial craftsmanship of American baseball history; Louisville Slugger is the premier cultural symbol of the national pastime's equipment evolution
Notable Features
The model number '102' is a specific identifier for the bat's length, weight, and barrel profile used during the vintage era of production
Condition Issues
Visible wood drying, grain separation (checking), surface abrasions, and loss of clarity in the branded text
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a humidity-controlled environment (45-55% RH) to prevent further wood checking; avoid direct sunlight to preserve the remaining decal/stamp ink; do not apply wood oils or sealants