Antique Stuart Surridge Perfect Cricket Bat c1930s Extra Special Reblade 1928 For Sale

Antique Stuart Surridge & Co. Ltd. “Perfect / Extra Special” English Willow Cricket Bat
London • c. Late 1930s–1940s • Approx. 34½”A wonderful survivor from the golden age of English cricket, this full-size Stuart Surridge & Co. Ltd. bat retains an exceptional collection of original markings, beautiful aged willow and genuine playing patina.Made by the historic London sporting-goods firm, the bat is marked:“Perfect” • “Extra Special” • “REBLADE” • “Patent Rapid Driver” • “Patent Reinforced Toe” • No. 19386/28 • Twin Wellington trademarks • 210 Borough High Street, London S.E.1The No. 19386/28 reinforced-toe patent dates to 1928, providing an important historical reference point. Research shows Surridge had moved to its 210/212 Borough High Street premises by 1914, and documented Surridge “Perfect” bats with similar features are known from the 1930s onward. Based on the complete combination of markings and construction, this example is believed to date approximately to the late 1930s–1940s, circa 1940, although an exact manufacturing year cannot be guaranteed.Original Factory Treatment LabelPerhaps its most charming feature is the surviving original circular treatment label, which remains remarkably readable. It begins:“This Bat is made from the finest Willow and hand finished by Craftsmen.”It then provides the original owner’s instructions for treating the willow with prepared bat oil or raw linseed oil. A documented 1938 Stuart Surridge Perfect is known with a similar shoulder treatment label and period rubber handle.The large “EXTRA SPECIAL / REBLADE” marking is another fascinating piece of its history. Reblading was a traditional period service in which a replacement willow blade was fitted to an existing bat/handle assembly—a genuine part of the bat’s working life rather than a modern repair.ConditionBeautiful unrestored antique condition with genuine age, wear and patina. It has received only a gentle surface cleaning with mild soap and water and has not been sanded, refinished or chemically cleaned.The original-style black rubber grip is heavily age-cracked/perished and incomplete at the top. It has intentionally been left untouched. The factory paper label shows age and wear but remains substantially intact and highly legible. The willow displays expected playing wear, darkening and wear around the toe and edges.Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.At approximately 34½ inches long, this is an impressive full-size display piece—ideal for a cricket collection, sporting room, library, office, pub or clubhouse.A wonderfully characterful piece of English sporting history, preserved rather than over-restored.$299 or Best Offer