October Legends Closing October 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2016
One of the most coveted autographs in sports - no, make that any category - is of Babe Ruth. You can find his signature on almost any conceivable sub straight from a golf club to an x-ray negative. But the most sought after is Babe’s mark on the very tool he used to make his name - a baseball bat. During the Babe’s lifetime, signed baseballs were just becoming a popular collectible, but a signed bat, now that is much more obscure. First of all, bats were expensive, then there is their awkward size and of course there is the fact that most people used them for what they were made for - to play ball. Therefore, a signed Ruth bat is something to take note of - such as the one we are offering here.
The bat is a Hillerich & Bradsby Babe Ruth signature store model. Measuring 33 ¾ inches in length, the bat has taken on a beautiful brown tone with age and the factory stamping, especially the Babe’s facsimile signature, are both dark and deep. Right between the centerboard and signature stamp, the original owner has sanded away to finish to expose the wood. On this patch the Babe has signed his name in pencil to the tool that made him a legend. The pencil signature is light but still legible on the exposed wood. Overall the bat is in nice condition. There are some scuffs and marks found throughout the surface, but nothing distracting. The original length “34” is stamped into the knob end. A very attractive and desirable piece that combines the most sought after autograph in sports with most iconic piece of baseball equipment: a genuine Louisville Slugger. This item comes with a letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA (W03054).