Auction Spotlight: Babe Ruth’s Dual-Signed 1916 World Series Glove Expected to Fetch Over $1 Million
In the world of sports memorabilia, there are rare finds that take collectors and enthusiasts by storm. One such treasure is a Spalding baseball glove from 1916, autographed not once, but twice, by none other than the legendary Babe Ruth. This extraordinary artifact, with its connection to Ruth during his time with the Boston Red Sox in the 1916 World Series, has become a highlight of Heritage Auctions. Set to go under the hammer, experts predict that its final auction price will soar above the million-dollar mark, a testament to both its historical significance and rarity.
This glove is not just any piece of memorabilia; it is a portal to baseball’s storied past. Once owned by Joe E. Brown, an iconic figure in entertainment during the 1930s, it boasts a fascinating journey that adds to its allure. Brown, renowned for his acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting, was also a passionate collector of sports memorabilia. Among his vast collection, this glove stood out as a crown jewel, representing a bygone era and Brown’s enduring passion for the game.
What makes this glove truly exceptional are the dual signatures of Babe Ruth. The first signature was obtained in 1916, a shared symbol of victory with his Red Sox teammates in their triumph over the Brooklyn Robins in the World Series. The second signature, accompanied by Ruth’s handwritten note stating, “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” was added later in Ruth’s life as a testament to the role this glove played in his early career. In addition to Ruth’s signatures, the glove also features the autographs of Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, further solidifying its status as a priceless piece of baseball history.
The auction for this remarkable glove has already gained significant momentum, with bidding swiftly surpassing $300,000 within the first day. This early fervor indicates a strong interest from collectors worldwide, and Heritage Auctions is optimistic that the final price will reach, or even exceed, the coveted $1 million mark. This glove follows the successful sale of another Ruth-related item—a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin—which fetched an astounding $1.5 million in a previous auction, setting a precedent for the high market value of authentic Ruth memorabilia.
The legitimacy of the signatures has been confirmed through meticulous authentication by Beckett and PSA/DNA, further enhancing the glove’s appeal. Steve Grad, from Beckett, described the examination as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” This authentication provides potential bidders with the assurance of Ruth’s authentic signatures and solidifies the historical significance of the glove.
Joe E. Brown’s collection, though ravaged by fire in its past, continues to make an indelible mark on the world of sports memorabilia through extraordinary pieces like this glove. The auction not only presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of baseball history but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and Joe E. Brown’s passion for collecting. As the auction date approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, promising a historic sale that will be remembered for years to come.
