This is a 1917-19 Walter Johnson H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. This bat dates to the 1917-19 period based on the Louisville Slugger centerbrand period, 1917-21, and the date on which this bat was side written in the Hillerich & Bradsby factory, March 13, 1920. This pre-model number bat currently weighs 37.5 ounces and measures 35 inches in length.
This bat exhibits heavy use with ball marks present on all sides of the barrel and grain compression present on the top and bottom of the barrel. Several cleat marks also adorn the barrel of the bat. Lathe marks are visible on both the knob and barrel end of the bat. This bat was returned to Hillerich & Bradsby early in 1920, which is supported by the remnants of the shipping label present between the centerbrand and barrel signature. Additionally, the bat has side writing present on the bottom of the barrel, which clearly reads "39 oz. Walter Johnson 3-13-20, Washington AM League."
This is currently the only documented Walter Johnson bat within the MEARS database, and the highest graded of three examples present within the database.
Johnson was part of the "Inaugural Class Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame". In fact, during the era the bat was made (1917-19) Johnson had an ERA of 2.21 in 1917, 1.27 in 1918 and 1.49 in 1919. He won 20 or more games every season from 1910-1919.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A10 grade with five points for the base grade, three points for heavy use, two points for the visible side writing, and no point deductions to mention
If you are trying to collect game used bats of Hall of Fame pitchers, this rare and only side written example, one that can 100% be placed in his hands, would be one of the holy grails for your collection and a once in a lifetime opportunity.