In the world of sports memorabilia, there are few items more coveted than those related to Babe Ruth. His impact on the game of baseball, both on and off the field, has made him a legend in the eyes of fans and collectors alike. Now, a piece of Ruth’s storied past is set to command top dollar at an upcoming auction.
The spotlight is on a Spalding baseball glove from the 1916 World Series, boasting not one, but two signatures of Babe Ruth. This rare artifact, authenticated and inscribed by Ruth himself, has become a centerpiece of Heritage Auctions’ latest offering. Experts in the field anticipate that the final hammer price for this treasure will easily exceed one million dollars, a testament to its historical significance and rarity.
What makes this glove truly special is its former owner – Joe E. Brown. Known for his towering presence in the entertainment industry during the 1930s, Brown was both an actor and a sports broadcaster. He also had a passion for collecting sports memorabilia, amassing a treasure trove of items that included this remarkable glove. While Brown may have faded from public memory, his legacy lives on through the artifacts he left behind.
The standout feature of this glove is undoubtedly the dual signatures of Babe Ruth. The first signature, shared with his Red Sox teammates who conquered the Brooklyn Robins in the 1916 World Series, has withstood the test of time. The second signature, added years later, includes Ruth’s handwritten note acknowledging the glove’s role in his early career. Not only does this glove bear Ruth’s signatures, but it is also adorned with the autographs of Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, further solidifying its status as a priceless piece of baseball history.
Initial bidding for the glove has already surpassed $300,000 within the first day of the auction, indicating strong interest from collectors worldwide. Heritage Auctions is optimistic that the final price will reach or even exceed one million dollars. This glove follows the sale of another Ruth-related item, a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin, which fetched a staggering $1.5 million in a previous auction. The precedent set by that sale only adds to the allure of this authenticated Ruth memorabilia.
To establish the authenticity of the glove and Ruth’s signatures, Beckett and PSA/DNA were called upon for authentication. Steve Grad of Beckett expressed his admiration, calling the examination process “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” Their stamp of approval provides potential bidders with the reassurance they need to confidently participate in this historic auction.
Although Joe E. Brown’s collection was once tragically damaged by fire, its impact on the world of sports memorabilia remains undeniable. The auction of this iconic glove not only offers collectors a rare chance to own a piece of baseball history, but it also pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and the passionate collecting of Joe E. Brown. As the auction date approaches, excitement and anticipation continue to build, promising a historic sale that will be discussed for years to come.
