Auction Spotlight: Babe Ruth’s Dual-Signed 1916 World Series Glove Expected to Fetch Over $1 Million
In a remarkable event for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a Spalding baseball glove from 1916, graced with Babe Ruth’s signature not once, but twice, has become a centerpiece of Heritage Auctions’ latest offering. This glove is not just any piece of memorabilia; it’s a portal to baseball’s storied past, directly linked to the legendary Babe Ruth during his time with the Boston Red Sox in the 1916 World Series. The anticipation surrounding this lot is high, with experts predicting a final hammer price well into the seven figures, reflecting both its historical significance and rarity.
The glove’s journey to the auction block is as storied as its former owner. Once belonging to Joe E. Brown, a giant in the realms of acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting during the 1930s, the glove is a remnant of a bygone era. Brown, who also made his mark as a voracious collector of sports memorabilia, had amassed an enviable collection, with this glove as one of its crown jewels. Despite Brown’s fading from public memory, his legacy lives on through this and other items he collected.
What sets this glove apart are the dual signatures of Babe Ruth. The first signature dates back to 1916, shared with teammates who contributed to the Red Sox’s World Series victory over the Brooklyn Robins. The second signature, accompanied by Ruth’s handwritten note “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” was added years later, capturing Ruth’s acknowledgment of the glove’s role in his early career. This glove not only bears Ruth’s signatures but also the autographs of Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, further cementing its value as a piece of baseball history.
Initial bidding has been fervent, quickly surpassing $300,000 within the first day of the auction. This early momentum signals a strong interest from collectors worldwide, with Heritage Auctions optimistic about reaching or even exceeding the $1 million mark. The glove’s auction follows the sale of another Ruth-related item, a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin, which fetched $1.5 million in a previous auction, setting a precedent for the high market value of authentic Ruth memorabilia.
Authentication by Beckett and PSA/DNA has confirmed the signatures’ legitimacy, with Steve Grad of Beckett describing the examination as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” This authentication plays a crucial role in the glove’s appeal, offering assurance to potential bidders about the authenticity of Ruth’s signatures and the historical significance of the glove.
Joe E. Brown’s collection, once devastated by fire, continues to leave its mark on the world of sports memorabilia through items like this glove. Its auction not only represents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of baseball history but also serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and the passionate collecting of Joe E. Brown. As the auction date approaches, the excitement and anticipation only grow, promising a historic sale that will be remembered for years to come.
