J.F. Hillerich & Son baseball Bat

This is one of the earliest examples of a J.F. Hillerich & Son baseball bat. Based on the patent application, the bat dates to about 1902 through to 1911, when in 1911 "C0." is added after the words "J.F. HILLERICH & SON." as this bats reads, with "- MADE BY -" above it, and "LOUISVILLE SLUGGER" at the very top. Below is a dash-dot-dash, with "LOUISVILLE, KY. " at the bottom. (The word "TRADEMARK" below the oval) The barrel features an ornate engraving that reads "PATENT No.716541" The center brand and Patent No. is placed in a manner that to read it, the barrel is on the left.

The 1902 Patent relates to improvements in baseball bats and in the process or method to harden the surface of the bat and "promote its ball-driving quality, while the full elasticity of the wood in the body of the bat is preserved; also, to preserve the bat from checking, chipping, or splintering on its surface from exposure to the sun or Weather; also, to improve the finish and appearance of the hat by the same means which increases its above-mentioned useful qualities." By the application of friction and heat applied to the bat While it is still in the turning-lathe and rotated at a high speed.

The early 1900's Louisville slugger ads refer to the patented method as "Burnish to Harden the Surface" shortly after the term "Boned Rubbed" would be used and advertised with the same intent as in the patent, "Bone-Rubbed which closes pores of wood and gives a harder hitting surface."

In 1931 the Hillerich & Bradsby Co. patented the "Powerized" process, and for the most part after 1934 Powerized was used exclusively on all top of the line baseball bats. As advertised in a 1938 H&B catalog "Powerizing' is a treatment by a special patented process that reduces chipping and peeling to a minimum, increasing the driving of the bat and prolongs it's life" It all started with the Burnish method in the 1902 patent.

MORE PHOTOS

J.F. Hillerich & Son baseball Bat Patent No. 716541

J.F. Hillerich & Son "Youth's" Model baseball Bat Patent No. 716541

The Youth's model was made and sold along side the full size model. The bat featured a taped handle and the "Patent No.716541" was stamped to the right of the center brand. The full size bats feature the barrel stamp to the left.

KEYMAN COLLECTIBLES RELATED RESOURCES

	Louisville Slugger Dating Guide - Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Louisville Slugger, used different center brands over the years on their line of baseball bats. The different logos, and trademarks can be used to date the era your bat was made.
	KeyMan Collectibles Baseball Memorabilia Facebook Group - Post Questions and comments relating to Baseball Collectibles and Memorabilia. Interact with other collectors or show off your collection.
	KeyMan Collectibles Network54 Forum - A great option for those that "Don't do facebook" Post Questions and comments relating to Baseball Collectibles and Memorabilia