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Babe Ruth

I'm wondering if anybody can steer me in the right direction to acquire an autographed Babe Ruth cut at a fair price. I know it's going to be expensive, but I would like to know at least where to start researching so I can save my money and get it from somebody who is reputable. There's no way I can afford an autographed baseball, but I would love to at least have a cut with his autograph on it at some point. Thanks !

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Permalink Reply by VolFins on October 25, 2011 at 3:04pm

Thank you all so much for your advice and info !! I had a feeling they were fake because of the prices and just the way things were set up, lots of red flags. I'm definitely in no hurry and will keep researching and asking for advice from you guys. The thing that really got me though, is that they are also for sale through halloffamememorabilia.com which I thought was reputable !! I know they all make mistakes, but you would think SOMEBODY would've caught this since it's apparently so blantant. I was also shocked to see that Prosportsmemorabilia has had issues in the past as well. I've been looking at all of the places you guys have suggested, thank you ! Have you guys heard of autographwarehouse.com and if so, what's their rep ?

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Permalink Reply by VolFins on October 25, 2011 at 4:10pm

I went to Heritage Auctions and there were tons of Ruth items authenticated by James Spence and said LOA. Isn't that one of the known forgers ?

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Permalink Reply by CJCollector on October 25, 2011 at 4:15pm

Rhonda, where are you getting your information from!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 25, 2011 at 4:24pm

James Spence Authentication (JSA) and PSA/DNA are the two main reputable comprehensive autograph authentication services. Not perfect, but very good, particularly in sports. That said, they definitely have people who don't like them. Some are legit, but most who speak against them don't like them because they won't pass their forgeries.

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Permalink Reply by CEE GEE on October 25, 2011 at 4:35pm

I fully agree with Mr.Cyrkin's comment

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Permalink Reply by VolFins on October 25, 2011 at 4:22pm

Sorry if I'm confused, I may have misunderstood. That's why I was asking, I'm new to this and trying to learn. It's a lot of info to take in. I cruise this site and look for info, so I may have gotten mixed up. I also have chemo brain from fighting with leukemia, so I get confused easily. My apologies if I named the wrong guy.

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Permalink Reply by DB on October 25, 2011 at 4:32pm

that would be an understatement but so long as you don't confuse Babe Ruth the sultan of swat with babe ruth the candy bar, it's all good.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 25, 2011 at 4:36pm

It's very easy to get confused, Rhonda...no apologies necessary. But here's how you can generally tell which authenticators are trusted and which ones aren't:

If you check auction prices realized for Babe Ruth autographs authenticated by JSA and PDA/DNA, you'll find that decent ones (nicely visible and undamaged) start at about $2000 and go up, just for a cut or some sort of simple signature. You're find that ones authenticated by untrusted authentcators generally sell at auction for far less...often $1,000 or less. I recommend auctions rather than fixed price offerings, since dealers can price things anywhere they want.

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Permalink Reply by DB on October 25, 2011 at 4:23pm

Rhonda - if you go to coach's commode 'er Corner you can get a real cheap Babe Ruth. It won't be authentic but it will be cheap. A number of better sites have already been identified as well as better authenticators whose error ratios are minimal in the overall scheme. IT's just that some are way better than many others.

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Permalink Reply by VolFins on October 25, 2011 at 4:40pm

Steve, that's part of why I was confused then. I knew JSA was reputable, but didn't connect the dots that it was James Spence. DUH !! I've also heard people rant against James Spence so I got mixed up. DB, I'm definitely not looking for cheap, I want authentic. I've collected for quite a few years, but the vintage autographs are brand new to me. My first vintage purchase was a Mickey Mantle ball few weeks ago that I brought up for dicussion on here. I don't want cheap and fast, but I would like to find something affordable in the near future. If I seem urgent, its just that I'm trying to do a lot of research and learning so that when I do find the Babe Ruth when I can afford it, I will be informed. I'm also trying to do this as an investment to help take care of my husband in case he needs it down the road due to my health. I was in remission for 2 years and now it's back, so I'm trying to make sure he's taken care of just in case. He's a police officer and you know how bad their salaries are.