Why we do it
A cricket bat is never just a cricket bat.
There is love in an old bat. There are lessons and life in it: Dad coaching in the backyard, a grandfather's bat he treasured, memories good and bad, and mostly fond. When one arrives in the workshop, someone is trusting us with their story. We never forget what a privilege that is.
Why restore an old bat?
Because a cricket bat is more than willow and a handle. It might be the bat Dad coached you with in the backyard, or the one your grandfather treasured. Restoring it keeps those memories alive, in your hands instead of fading in a cupboard.
It takes time, on purpose
Vintage work is a longer process than a standard repair, and we do not rush it. Done properly, a restoration often means bringing the bat back to its original condition and then, in effect, starting again. Some take longer than others, and every one gets the time it needs.
Why does it cost more than a normal repair?
The honest answer: time. Repainting the scoops on an old bat properly, for example, means restoring the surface underneath before the finish can be built back up. We treat every vintage bat with the care and respect it deserves. Working on them is a privilege, and we take it seriously.
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Some of the bats we have worked on over the years
Real restorations from the Cooper workshop.
What a restoration can include
Strip back and clean
We take the bat back to bare willow, lift off old facings and stickers, and repair the cracks and chips the years have left.
Repair and re-bind
Splits, broken toes and tired handles: repaired, grafted or replaced, and the handle re-bound for a solid feel.
Re-oil and protect
Fresh oil, a new protective facing if you want one, and a hard toe to see it through more seasons.
Finish your way
Keep the original look, or refinish it with new stickers and a grip. Your call, every step assessed with you first.
How it works
1. Build your quote
Pick what your bat needs in the vintage builder. The price updates as you go.
2. Add photos
A few quick shots of the toe, the back, the handle and any damage.
3. We review and quote
A bat maker checks your photos, confirms the work and emails your invoice. Anything major, we talk first.
4. Send it in
Drop off or post your bat, and pay when you are happy. Every job gets its own tracking link, so you can watch the restoration move through the workshop step by step.
Ready to restore it?
Build your vintage restoration quote in a couple of minutes. No payment now: we review your photos first, then email your invoice.