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

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 a U.S.-marked Softball bat and a great U.S. Army Special Services-marked catcher’s mitt.

The softball bat measures roughly 34” long and shows very heavy service wear. The cartouche in the center reads:

HILLERICH & BRADSBY CO.
MADE IN U.S.A.
H&B
NO. 102
LOUISVILLE, K.Y.

It is also marked near the end with U.S. / SOFT-BALL. The bat shows extreme wear with some cracking in the sides as shown, but nothing terribly serious. 

The mitt is marked on the palm SPECIAL SERVICES / U.S. ARMY with a RAWLINGS maker mark. The mitt has heavy wear and service use, with the material wearing away heavily at the bottom edges.

A great set, ready for further research and display.