Original U.S. WWII Army Special Services Marked Baseball Bat by Hillerich & Bradsby Co. & Catcher’s Glove Mitt by Goldsmith

Original Item. Only One Available. The 1940s were a time of transition, both for this country as well as the sport of baseball. America was plunged into World War II, and with the enlistment of many "able-bodied men", the very face of baseball changed. Every man that enlisted in the service was given the standard set of "Government Issue" (G.I.) equipment: uniform, helmet, socks, T-shirts, boots.... For a time back in the 1940s, the Military also issues baseball equipment to the troops! This was endorsed by the President, who said that baseball should continue, even during time of war, to keep this Country together.

This is an outstanding set consisting of an Army Special Services-marked “Louisville Slugger” Baseball bat and a great U.S. Army marked baseball catcher’s mitt.

The baseball bat measures roughly 36” long and shows very heavy service wear. The handle has been re-wrapped in black tape for a better grip, and the cartouche in the center reads:

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER
40 J.D.
HILLERICH & BRADSBY CO.
MADE IN U.S.A.
LOUISVILLE, K.Y.
TRADEMARK REG.

OIL TEMPERED 

It is also marked near the end with Joe DiMaggio’s signature under SPECIAL SERVICES, U.S. ARMY. The bat shows extreme wear with some chipping in the wood at the handle end.

The mitt is marked on the strap on the back U.S. ARMY and on the front with the GoldSmith logo and some manufacturer information along with an embossed signature of Elmer Riddle. The mitt has heavy wear and service use.

A great set, ready for further research and display.