Vtg 30s-40s H&B Marathon 4028 Baseball Bat MISPRINT ERROR Shecial & 2 Balls
Up for sale is a unique piece of vintage baseball memorabilia: a Marathon Model 4028 bat featuring a rare factory production text error. Instead of reading "Special", the rolling branding die at the factory was incorrectly set with an "h" block instead of a "p". Leaving a permanent, deep factory-stamped impression that reads "Shecial". Because factory quality control typically destroyed these anomalies, surviving examples are exceptionally scarce. The end of bat is chipped a bit, see photos, but the body is uncracked with no deep splits, dry rot, or weather checking. Tape looks original around the handle.
The bat is structurally sound and straight. There is some discoloration - see photos. The "Shecial" error and the "Marathon 4028" are deeply factory-stamped/engraved into the wood grain and are completely legible. The finish is untouched natural aged vintage patina.
The two baseballs were found in the same box - they have no markings.
