In a dazzling display of sports memorabilia, an iconic Spalding baseball glove from 1916, boasting not one, but two signatures of the legendary Babe Ruth, has become the center of attention at Heritage Auctions. This glove transcends mere memorabilia; it represents a connection to baseball’s illustrious past, as it was used by Babe Ruth himself during the 1916 World Series when he was still a part of the Boston Red Sox. Experts are pegging the final auction price at well over a million dollars, a reflection of the glove’s historical significance and its extraordinary rarity.
The glove’s journey to the auction block is as captivating as its previous owner. It was once owned by Joe E. Brown, a towering figure in the worlds of acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting during the 1930s. Brown, an avid collector of sports memorabilia, had curated an impressive collection, with this glove taking one of the prime spots. Despite some fading from public memory, Brown’s legacy lives on through this glove and the other items he amassed.
What makes this glove truly special are the dual signatures of Babe Ruth. The first signature dates back to 1916, a testament to the Red Sox’s triumph in the World Series 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, acknowledging the glove’s role in Ruth’s early career. In addition to Ruth’s signatures, the glove also features autographs from Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, which only adds to its value as a historical baseball artifact.
With bidding starting off fervently, surpassing $300,000 within the first day of the auction, it is evident that collectors from around the world have a profound interest in this exceptional piece. Heritage Auctions anticipates reaching or even surpassing the million-dollar mark, fueled by the early momentum and the proven market value of authentic Babe Ruth memorabilia. In a previous auction, a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin fetched a staggering $1.5 million, setting a precedent for the high worth of Ruth-related items.
The authenticity of the signatures has been confirmed by Beckett and PSA/DNA, giving bidders the confidence they need in the glove’s legitimacy. Steve Grad of Beckett described the authentication process as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” further solidifying the glove’s appeal and significance to potential buyers.
Despite the challenges faced by Joe E. Brown’s collection, including a devastating fire that damaged many items, it continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of sports memorabilia. The auction of this glove grants a truly extraordinary opportunity for collectors to own a piece of baseball history, while also paying homage to Babe Ruth’s enduring legacy and Joe E. Brown’s passionate collecting. As the auction date draws near, excitement and anticipation continue to grow, promising a historic and memorable sale that will be celebrated for years to come.
