A remarkable piece of sports memorabilia is set to take center stage at the upcoming Heritage Auctions. This auction will feature a baseball glove from 1916, signed not once, but twice, by none other than the legendary Babe Ruth. The glove’s historical significance and rarity have experts projecting a final hammer price surpassing $1 million.
This particular glove holds a special place in baseball history as it is directly connected to Babe Ruth during his time with the Boston Red Sox in the 1916 World Series. Formerly part of the collection of Joe E. Brown, an entertainment icon known for his contributions to acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting in the 1930s, this glove is not just a piece of memorabilia but a portal into a bygone era.
Joe E. Brown’s collection, which included sports memorabilia, was truly impressive and the glove in question was considered one of its crown jewels. While Brown’s name may have faded from public memory, his legacy lives on through the rare artifacts he collected, including this incredible glove.
What sets this glove apart from others is the fact that it bears two signatures of Babe Ruth. The first signature dates back to 1916, commemorating the Red Sox’s World Series victory over the Brooklyn Robins. The second signature, accompanied by a handwritten note from Ruth himself stating, “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” further solidifies the glove’s historical significance. Additionally, the glove features the autographs of other prominent players from that era, such as Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker.
The auction for this extraordinary glove garnered substantial attention even before it began. In just the first day of bidding, the price quickly surpassed $300,000, indicating a strong and widespread interest from collectors around the world. Heritage Auctions is optimistic that the final price will reach or even exceed the $1 million mark, contributing to the growing market value of authentic Babe Ruth memorabilia.
To ensure the authenticity of the glove, Beckett and PSA/DNA authenticated the signatures. Steve Grad of Beckett, in particular, expressed his excitement about the examination, calling it “the coolest thing” he has ever seen. The authentication process adds an extra layer of assurance for potential bidders, reinforcing the historical significance and value of both Babe Ruth’s signatures and the baseball glove itself.
The legacy of Joe E. Brown lives on through this glove and others from his collection, despite a devastating fire that once ravaged his memorabilia. The upcoming auction not only offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history but also pays 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 continue to grow, promising a historic sale that will be remembered for years to come.