Side Written 40W Honus Wagner (HOF '36) 1910/1915 Decal Bat; Louisville Slugger

Description

This J. Honus Wagner decal bat is from the 1910/1915 J.F. Hillerich & Son Co era (Centerbrand C -2A; V. Malta,
A Complete Reference Guide Louisville Slugger Professional Player Bats
). Full size 32 1/2
" length and 36.8 oz lumber.
The decal has about 15% remaining, but good view of Wagner's face, and you can see the general outline of the entire decal; At 32 1/2" and 36.8 oz. this bat shows very heavy use, with darkened tone to the wood and with cleat marks and ball marks throughout the barrel; a piece of barrel is splintered and missing adjacent to barrel decal per photos. The handle knob is in perfect condition and shows rasp marks on the hand-turned finish. The bat has a handle crack and is side-written from Louisville Slugger factory; Meers Authentication (Cert #310660 per photos) validates the bat was sent back for reproduction; The 32 1/2 inch length would be custom ordered and not an off-the-rack retail bat. To be clear, the side writing is illegible.
Troy Kin
unen comments on the 2012 Mears documentation, "This is an interesting signature series Wagner bat that made its way back to the Louisville Slugger factory to have another bat made. It is side written having been returned but is not totally readable ..." (see photo)
This bat was manufactured while Wagner was in the midst of his active career with the Pirates (1897/1917). While this is a retail bat from that deadball era the feel and balance are reminiscent of well documented pro model (W107) Wagner bats but without the full heft of a Wagner bat. The
barrel end is half round with thick handle as well for contact and control.
Honus Wagner was the first professional player to sign an exclusive endorsement contract with JF Hillerich & Son in 1905. In his 21 years in the major leagues Wagner had a career batting average of .328 with 3,420 hits. In eight of those years he won the batting title, including six of seven years from 1903 through 1909.
The overall presentation of this bat in a collection indicates there is a story to tell. Well worn with plenty of game action this was someone's special bat, and now that it is cracked they needed more just like it.
Honus Wagner was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in the inaugural class of 1936.
The low starting bid in this auction guarantees this bat will sell...you might as well own it, and add it to your collection.
Please reach out with any questions you might have prior to auction end.