Auction Item Details
Lot 113
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Lot Number: 113
Description: Exquisite Babe Ruth single signed baseball c.1931-32: One of the finest playing career era condition extant and boasting Harry M. Stevens provenance (PSA/DNA NM 7.5, JSA 8 NM-MT). Red and blue stitched Reach William Harridge Official American League baseball has been signed "Babe Ruth" across the sweet spot. The blue fountain pen signature gracefully occupies its rightful position with an overall eye appeal that would equate to a rating of 8/9 out of 10. The signature has the slightest bit of lighter pen pressure to the top of the “B” in Babe which is the point of merit that allows for technical conditioned grades of "NM+ 7.5" by PSA/DNA and “8 NM-MT” by JSA. The ink contrasts wonderfully against the lightly toned surface of the unused baseball with all manufacturer’s markings remain as bold and strong as they day they were applied. With regard to grade of the ball itself, PSA/DNA has rendered an opinion of "7" and JSA, an "8." The history of this particular baseball can be specifically traced to legendary entrepreneur and concessionaire Harry M. Stevens. It long resided within the Stevens Family home in Niles, Ohio which they acquired in 1911. After Harry's passing in 1934, ownership was transferred to his daughter, Annie, and it remained as such until the time of her passing in 1974. It was decided by Annie's sons (the co-executors of her Estate) that the family would sell the home with all furniture, fixtures, and decor intact with the exception of a few isolated pieces. Amazingly, one of the items which remained with the home was the offered Babe Ruth baseball that had been carefully tucked inside of a dresser drawer. Several weeks after moving the purchasers of the home discovered the ball and was acquired by a family member of relation to its current owner. It is now being offered for first time in any public venue. While the available supply of Babe Ruth single signed baseballs is seemingly plentiful they become considerably scarce when in high condition grade. That same population becomes extremely limited when narrowed to those examples originating from Ruth’s playing career with the majority having been signed once his career ended. The offered example ranks firmly among the very best which we have ever handled and is without question one of the most visually appealing extant. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA (7.5 NM+), full LOA from JSA (8 NM-MT), letter of provenance from the family as well as related family history documentation: Ball: NM-NM/MT, Signature: NM-MT+Estimated Price Range: ($100,000-$200,000)
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