Auction Item Details
Lot 139
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Lot Number: 139
Description: The Hollywood/Altman Babe Ruth single signed baseball c.1940s-One of the finest condition examples known (PSA/DNA 8 NM-MT)(JSA 8 NM-MT). In our 34 company history we have been honored to curate several of the finest Babe Ruth single signed baseballs to have reach the market. That minute grouping includes the pristine example which originated from a producer of the Babe Ruth Story which we sold decades ago at a record price for the time of $72,000. That very example subsequently was graded a 9.5 by PSA/DNA and has traded hands at a multiple six figure value range, appropriately. In each case, the truly special examples we have encountered each possess a unique story or direct provenance which in concert with the high condition grade led to record pricing results. It is our distinct honor to add to that elite population with the offering of the "Hollywood/Altman babe Ruth baseball. Over 25 years ago, well know autograph dealer Rich Altman of Hollywood Collectibles was approached by a client who claimed to have a very strong condition Babe Ruth signed baseball. The history relayed was that the ball was one of three that a trio of Naval officers had signed by Ruth at a War Bond event in the early 1940s of which the offered example was the surviving specimen. Altman purchased the ball which ended up being a branding piece for his business for decades to come. The ball was sold to a private client of Mr. Altman and then, 20 years later, re-acquired. Unfortunately, Rich passed away last year after a legacy career within our hobby for decades. We are honored to now present the Hollywood/Altman Babe Ruth baseball on behalf of Rich's family to take its rightful place as one of the finest of its type to have been publicly offered. W.Harridge Official American League baseball has been signed "Babe Ruth" across the sweet spot in notably dark blue fountain pen. The signature has been assigned a grade of (8 NM-MT) by PSA/DNA to which we feel is undoubtedly conservative due to the strictest of current standards. Save for a "hint" of lack of original ink flow to the crossing stroke for the "t" in Ruth the autograph presents as resounding 9 out of 10. Ball itself displays with light even toning likely from having been stored in its original Reach baseball paper bag (included) with exceptionally bold and well defined stampings. It iw well documented that Ruth autographed a large number of baseballs during his career and life with many remaining in very strong condition grade. Accounting for same, we resolutely submit this specimen to rank at the very pinnacle of that aforementioned population. Iconic and investment grade Babe Ruth signature baseball of a museum quality. Includes the original Reach paper bag (torn), full LOA from PSA/DNA (Ball: 7 NM, Autograph: 8 NM-MT, Eye Appeal: +.5, Overall: * NM-MT), full LOA from JSA (Ball: 8 NM-MT, Signature: 8 NM-MT, Overall 8 NM-MT), and letter of provenance from Altman family: NM/MT-MTEstimated Price Range: ($100,000-$300,000)
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