Hillerich And Bradsby Appraisal

Vintage Hillerich & Bradsby Henry Aaron Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat

A vintage professional-style wooden baseball bat manufactured by Hillerich & Bradsby. The piece is crafted from natural northern white ash, sporting a light honey-toned finish and prominent wood grain. The barrel features the 'Genuine' facsimile signature of Baseball Hall of Famer Henry (Hank) Aaron, a hallmark of Louisville Slugger specialty models. Below the signature, the barrel displays the 'Flame Tempered' branding, signifying a heat-treatment process used to harden the wood surface for better durability and pop. The center brand shows the iconic H&B oval logo with the model number '125' and 'Powerized' markings, indicating it was part of their premium line during the mid-20th century (likely late 1950s to 1960s based on the logo style). The condition shows significant signs of use and age, including surface abrasions, minor wood splintering near the barrel end, and generalized darkening of the finish from handling and atmospheric exposure. The factory stamps remain largely legible, though they show slight wear. There are no immediate signs of handle cracks or dead spots, suggesting the structural integrity is fair for a display piece. The craftsmanship reflects the classic turned-wood manufacturing standards of the Louisville, Kentucky factory, featuring a balanced weight distribution typical of the era.