VINTAGE CRICKET BATS
WE BRING YOUR OLD CRICKET BAT BACK TO LIFE
When a vintage bat comes into our workshop, it’s not just a job to us. We see its history, its story, and the memories attached to it. These bats have been through decades of wear and tear, and our mission is to honour their past while making them shine again.
Our process is about care and craftsmanship. Sometimes, that means repairing a cracked handle, fixing a broken toe, or polishing away years of scratches and scuffs. Other times, it’s about recreating the bat as it would have looked when it was first picked up—restoring old stickers, re-laser engraving original details, and stamping it with precision.
We treat every bat as if it were our own. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom, a bat tied to someone’s favourite cricketing memory, or something that simply deserves a second chance, we put our heart into every detail.
There’s nothing quite like seeing the transformation of a vintage bat. Taking something that’s been tucked away for years—maybe even forgotten—and turning it into something that looks and feels as special as the day it was first used. That’s why we do what we do. It’s not just about the wood, the glue, or the tools—it’s about the stories we help bring back to life.
FULL CLEAN UP
We sand down the entire cricket bat to expposure the beautiful light coloured English willow, fixing any damage we find along the way.
PAINTING
We repaint the existing areas where paint was previously. We ensure that the old paint is removed and sanded smooth before re coating with a automotive paint to ensure long lasting colour.
STICKER REPRODUCTION
We reproduce the stickers using high quality materials and match the design almost identically to ensure your bat looks new as possible.
WHY DO WE DO IT
Restoring vintage cricket bats is something we hold close to our hearts. It’s not like working on a modern-day bat that’s used every week—it’s different. Vintage bats have a history, they carry emotions, they hold stories. They’ve seen the best days ever, the worst days ever. They’ve been a connection between dads and their kids, given as gifts from someone important, or kept as a memory of someone who’s no longer here.
For us, it’s a privilege to be trusted with something so meaningful. When someone brings in a bat that’s 50, 70, or even 100 years old, they’re not just asking us to fix a piece of wood. They’re asking us to breathe life back into something that means the world to them.
Some people want to preserve the original state of their bat, aged and weathered as it is, and that’s perfectly fine. But for others, restoring it to its original form is like bringing a part of their past back to life. It could be a reminder of those great moments they had with it—on the field, with family, or simply holding it in their hands.
We’ve worked on bats that hold incredible stories. One was a 70-year-old bat that a man brought in after reconciling with his son. It was the same bat his father had given him on his birthday, and now he wanted to pass it on as a way of reconnecting. Another was for a man whose father, battling dementia, still remembered the bat he played with as a boy. Restoring it gave him a precious moment of clarity, a moment to remember where it all began. And then there are the bats restored for those who’ve lost loved ones—a way of keeping them close, even when they’re gone.
Cricket bats are not just cricket bats. They’re a part of people’s lives, their memories, and their relationships. We take immense pride in restoring these treasures, knowing that every bat we work on carries a story worth preserving.
EXAMPLES
Here are just a few examples of old cricket bats we have had the pleasure of working on. We will continue to add to this collection as time goes on.
GRAY-NICOLLS STEEL SPRING BAT – FULL REFURBISHMENT
This Gray-Nicolls Steel Spring bat came in worn and aged, requiring a full cleanup and restoration. The process included resurfacing the blade, refinishing the edges, and applying fresh branding to bring it back to its original look. Now fully restored, it maintains its classic design while looking as good as new.
Budget - $300 to $600 depending on damage/condition of the bat.
KOOKABURRA RIDGEBACK – FULL REFURBISHMENT
This Kookaburra Ridgeback, famously used by Ricky Ponting, underwent a full restoration while maintaining its signature spine profile. The unique shape required careful sanding to preserve the original ridge, and the distinctive stickers were precisely matched to retain authenticity. With no major damage, the bat has been fully cleaned, refinished, and brought back to its original form.
Budget - $400 to $600 depending on damage/condition of the bat.
VINTAGE SYKES CRICKET BAT – WOODWORM RESTORATION
This Sykes bat came in with extensive woodworm damage, leaving the outer shell fragile and compromised. The restoration process involved carefully filling the holes while preserving the original details, stabilising the structure, and reinforcing weak areas. Given the extent of internal damage, this was a complex repair, ensuring the bat remains intact while maintaining its historical character.
Budget - $800 to $1300 depending on damage/condition of the bat.
VINTAGE CRICKET BAT COLLECTION
This collection of vintage cricket bats has been fully restored, with resurfaced blades, new grips, fresh stickers, and refinished edges. The refurbishments bring them back to their original look while preserving their classic details.
Budget - $300 to $600 each depending on damage/condition of the bat.
COUNTY SKY – FULL RESTORATION
This County Sky bat arrived heavily worn with a darkened, aged blade and faded stickers. The refurbishment process included resurfacing the wood, removing built-up grime, and refinishing the face while preserving the original branding. A new grip was added to complete the restoration, bringing the bat back to its classic look.
Budget - $200 to $400 depending on damage/condition of the bat.
SLAZENGER BRADMAN – COMPLETE REBUILD
This Slazenger Bradman bat required extensive repairs due to severe handle damage and structural weakness. The restoration process included a full handle replacement, resurfacing, and precision laser engraving to restore the original branding. The bat has been fully rebuilt while maintaining its historical integrity.
Budget - $500 to $800 depending on damage/condition of the bat.
BRETT LEE WEET-BIX DISPLAY BAT – FULL RESTORATION
This Brett Lee Weet-Bix commemorative bat suffered severe grip melt damage, which extended through the laser engraving and onto the printed image. The restoration involved scanning and digitally modifying the original image, sanding away the damaged engraving, reprinting a new Brett Lee image, and re-laser engraving the Sanitarium and Weet-Bix branding. The bat has been fully restored for display.
Budget - $500 to $800 depending on damage/condition of the bat.
GRAY-NICOLLS SABRE – REFURBISHMENT
This Gray-Nicolls Sabre underwent a full refurbishment, including sanding the blade and refinishing the surface while preserving the original scoops. The bat was fitted with fresh stickers and carefully cleaned to restore its classic appearance.
Budget - $300 to $600 depending on damage/condition of the bat.
GRAY-NICOLLS GN 100 SCOOP – REFURBISHMENT
This Gray-Nicolls GN 100 Scoop underwent a full refurbishment, including resurfacing the blade and restoring the original branding. The signature scoop was carefully repainted to match its classic look, and new laser engraving was applied to enhance the original details. The bat has been fully refreshed while maintaining its iconic design.
Budget - $500 to $800 depending on damage/condition of the bat.
