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History of the Spalding Model B No. 300 "Old Hickory" Air Dried Baseball Bat
The Spalding Model B No. 300 "Old Hickory Air Dried" baseball bat was part of Spalding's premium bat line manufactured during the 1926-1934 period. This bat represents an important era in baseball equipment history when Spalding was transitioning between different branding strategies.
Dating and Branding: According to the Spalding bat dating guide, the "Diamond Ball" logo with two small diamonds appearing to the left and right of the center brand Spalding baseball logo started hitting the market around 1926. This places the Model B No. 300 squarely in the 1926-1938 manufacturing period when Spalding used this distinctive Diamond Ball branding.
Construction and Quality: The "Air Dried" designation was significant because Spalding avoided kiln drying, instead keeping lumber stocks for two years in advance to ensure thorough natural drying. This process was considered superior because kiln drying was avoided "principally on account of the waste entailed by the method.
The "Old Hickory" name referenced the traditional wood used for early baseball bats, though by this period, ash had become "the staple bat wood" and was "universally preferred and used by professional players" due to its superior weight, strength, and durability characteristics.
Model Numbering System: The "No. 300" designation was part of Spalding's systematic model numbering that helped identify different bat specifications and quality levels within their product line during the 1920s and 1930s.
This bat represents the golden age of Spalding's baseball bat manufacturing, when the company was the dominant supplier to professional baseball and maintained the highest standards of craftsmanship and materials.
Bat measures 33", weighs 37.25 ounces and features a signature barrel stamping. A detailed Spalding center brand is also present making note that the bat was "Made in U.S.A., "Air Dried,” “Model B,” and OLD HICKORY on the barrel (where a signature would usually be found).
Cracked and repaired with period nails. This is one high quality bat and derives from the collection of former Major League baseball player and PCL legend, Jigger Statz and could have been used in the minor leagues.
Item: 14145
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