Auction Spotlight: Babe Ruth’s Dual-Signed 1916 World Series Glove Expected to Fetch Over $1 Million
Auction houses are no strangers to prestigious and highly valuable items, but when a piece of sports memorabilia steeped in history and signed by one of the game’s greatest heroes enters the market, the excitement reaches new heights. Such is the case with a baseball glove, authenticated with two signatures of the legendary Babe Ruth and inscribed for its use in the 1916 World Series. This exceptional artifact, originating from the collection of entertainment icon Joe E. Brown, has become the talk of the town and is projected to surpass the million-dollar mark at Heritage Auctions.
The significance of this glove extends far beyond its monetary value. It is a tangible connection to baseball’s iconic figure, Babe Ruth, during his time with the Boston Red Sox in the 1916 World Series. The glove not only bears Ruth’s signature once but twice, a testament to its historical importance and rarity. Experts estimate that the final hammer price of this highly anticipated lot will soar into the seven figures, reflecting the immense interest it has garnered within the sports memorabilia community.
The glove’s journey to the auction block is as intriguing as its former owner. Once owned by Joe E. Brown, an iconic figure in the realms of acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting during the 1930s, this artifact serves as a testament to Brown’s astute collecting prowess. While Brown’s name may have faded from public memory, his legacy lives on through this glove and other items in his extensive sports memorabilia collection.
What truly sets this particular glove apart is the presence of not one, but two Babe Ruth signatures. The first signature, dating back to 1916, was shared with Ruth’s teammates during the victorious Boston Red Sox World Series campaign against the Brooklyn Robins. The second signature, accompanied by Ruth’s handwritten note stating “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” was added later, highlighting Ruth’s recognition of the glove’s significance in his early career. In addition to Ruth’s signatures, the glove also features autographs from Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, further elevating its value as a treasured piece of baseball history.
The early bidding for this iconic artifact has been nothing short of enthusiastic. Within the first day of the auction, the bids soared past $300,000, signaling the strong interest and anticipation from collectors worldwide. Heritage Auctions remains optimistic about the glove surpassing the $1 million mark, with the early momentum being an encouraging indicator. The auction follows the successful sale of another Babe Ruth-related item, a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin, which fetched a staggering $1.5 million in a previous auction, setting a precedent for the significant market value of authentic Ruth memorabilia.
The authentication of the glove’s signatures by Beckett and PSA/DNA has played a pivotal role in enhancing its appeal. Steve Grad of Beckett even described the examination as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” further solidifying the authenticity of Ruth’s signatures and cementing the glove’s historical value. With such reputable authentication backing the artifact, potential bidders can feel confident in their pursuit of this rare and historically significant piece.
Joe E. Brown’s collection, though ravaged by fire in the past, continues to make an indelible mark in the world of sports memorabilia through items like this glove. The upcoming auction not only presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of baseball history but also serves as a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and the passion for collecting embodied by Joe E. Brown. As the auction date draws near, the excitement and anticipation continue to crescendo, ensuring a historic sale that will be remembered for years to come.
