Hank Aaron 1960s H&B R43 bat
kevper
Posts: 11 ✭
I recently acquired a Henry Aaron Hillerich & Bradsby bat with R43 stamped into the knob of the bat. According to Vince Malta's Louisville Slugger reference guide from 2007, the center brand is C18, from 1965-69. The bat is 34" long and currently weighs 30.6 ounces. The Powerized appears to be P10, also from 1965-69. Through further research I found that Aaron ordered four R43 bats from the factory on 4-30-1963, and this was the last order of R43 bats appearing in his Louisville Slugger shipping record. Those four bats were to be 34" long and weigh 33 ounces.
Could I possible have found one of those four R43 gamers from 1963? In other words, is it possible that Louisville Slugger introduced the registered trademark symbol inside the center oval as early as 1963? The Malta reference guide says that the registered trademark symbol first appeared inside the oval in the latter portion of 1964.
I realize that the bat has several scratches and marks from non-game use, including the damaged LOUISVILLE SLUGGER under Aaron's name on the barrel of the bat. I have looked at that area closely under bright light and magnification. Some of it is unreadable, but enough of that stamping still exists to identify it as LOUISVILLE SLUGGER. I'm confident it's not a college bat.
Any and all input will be appreciated. Other pictures are available.
Comments
Yes, it's possible....To be sure you could send it to John Taube for confirmation.
IMF
Thank you IMF.