Bat collectors, I have long stated that these lathe bats are the most underrated collectibles in the entire hobby. Think about it, before computers, lathe bats were used in the H&B wood shop to pattern game used bats. Before computers, an actual example of a player's model bat was archived at the factory. When an order for a "gamer" was placed, the woodworker grabbed the lathe bat and a set of calipers and proceeded to create the bat that would be sent to the player.
Offered is a near mint example of Bill Dickey's 1938 lathe bat. In deep, pristine grease pencil, neatly written in the traditional manner is, "35 oz. Bill Dickey 7-2-38, N.Y. Amer lea.". The actual "nubs" are still present on each end. For bat collectors, these are the parts of the bat that are removed and hand sanded to reach the desired weight. The removal of these nubs is what creates the "hand turned" knob that we often reference.
As a special note, this is the exact model bat, 7-2-38, that Bill Dickey requested to have his 1938 World Series bat made from. Great opportunity to own an actual piece of Louisville Slugger bat making history.
Collection of MEARS staff.