In a mesmerizing event for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, Heritage Auctions has brought to the spotlight a Spalding baseball glove from 1916 graced with not one, but two signatures of the legendary Babe Ruth. This rare artifact, associated with the Boston Red Sox’s 1916 World Series, has become one of the most highly anticipated lots of the auction, with experts predicting a final selling price surpassing the million-dollar mark.
The significance of this glove goes far beyond its material value; it serves as a time capsule, offering a glimpse into baseball’s rich history and its iconic figures. Owned by entertainment icon Joe E. Brown, who left his mark in acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting during the 1930s, the glove is one of the prized possessions from Brown’s impressive collection of sports memorabilia. While Brown may have faded from public memory, his legacy lives on through this glove and other items he cherished.
What sets this glove apart is not just the presence of one Babe Ruth signature, but two. The first signature dates back to 1916, commemorative of the Red Sox’s World Series triumph against the Brooklyn Robins. The second signature, accompanied by Ruth’s handwritten note stating, “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” was added years later as a testament to the glove’s role in Ruth’s early career. In addition to Ruth’s signatures, the glove also bears autographs from Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, further cementing its historical significance and value.
The bidding for this extraordinary artifact has started with remarkable fervor, surpassing the $300,000 mark within the first day of the auction. This early enthusiasm indicates the strong global interest from collectors, leaving Heritage Auctions optimistic about reaching or even surpassing the $1 million milestone. It’s worth noting that a previously sold Ruth-related glove, gifted to Jimmy Austin, fetched an impressive $1.5 million at auction, setting the precedent for the high market value of authentic Ruth memorabilia.
The authenticity of the glove’s signatures has been confirmed by Beckett and PSA/DNA, lending additional credibility to its historical significance. Steve Grad from Beckett described the examination as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” emphasizing the importance of Ruth’s autographs and the glove itself. This authentication has become a crucial factor in attracting potential bidders, offering them assurance about the legitimacy of Ruth’s signatures and the glove’s place in baseball history.
Joe E. Brown’s collection, although once devastated by fire, continues to have a lasting impact on the world of sports memorabilia through gems like this 1916 glove. Its auction not only presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own an iconic 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 continue to mount, promising a historic sale that will be celebrated for years to come.
