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Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball

Hi Everyone-

I am new to the forum. Years ago my father passed along a baseball that was supposedly signed by Lou Gehrig. I didn't think much of it at the time and put it in storage. I just came across it again, now with a fuller appreciation for the man and the ball's potential value. I would first like to find out if this is an authentic item or not. I am posting a couple of pictures of the ball - one with the signature and the other with the branding of the ball. The signature has certainly faded and there are some age spots on the ball, but would be curious to get opinions on whether the ball is authentic and what it may be worth. There is an upcoming JSA event a few hours away. I am thinking of taking it to them. Thoughts?

Second, I have started to build a collection of pictures of famous athletes in my basement (my happy place). I am interested in a 1980 picture of the last pitch of the 1980 world series. I was signed by many on the team, including all of the starters. It is advertised as authenticated by "Fanatics Authentic." Just wanted to get thoughts on that organization and whether you would feel comfortable with their seal.

Thanks,

John

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LG.JPG, 1.9 MB
BB.JPG, 2.2 MB

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Permalink Reply by Woody2Shoes on August 29, 2017 at 1:53pm

It's worth the trip. JSA will authenticate the Gehrig piece, in my estimation.

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Permalink Reply by John K on August 29, 2017 at 2:27pm

Thank you for the feedback, Woody.

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on August 29, 2017 at 3:27pm

I believe that is an authentic Gehrig signature.

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Permalink Reply by Woody2Shoes on August 29, 2017 at 4:12pm

I peg it at about 1934/5, what do you think, T.?

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on August 29, 2017 at 5:04pm

not sure about the year, mine is 1929 and looks similar to this one, just a little tighter in formation.

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Permalink Reply by Woody2Shoes on August 29, 2017 at 5:23pm

He started to gradually open it up from around '29 forward, as the 30s progressed, so did his signature, in that same direction, moving from more tightly knit and sawtooth-like execution in design, to something with a more circular and relaxed, open flow through the 30s. The connection here between the "u" and the "G", coupled with the connecting line from the "i" through the heart of the "g" is what identifies this to me as being just about typical of slightly before or 1935.

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Permalink Reply by John K on August 29, 2017 at 6:13pm

Thank you guys for the the perspective and also the interesting conversation. I do think I am going to have it authenticated. It is kind of a double-edged sword having something like this. I would love to display it and look at it every day, but I sure would hate to have it stolen.

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Permalink Reply by Woody2Shoes on August 30, 2017 at 12:56am

It's real nice to have that piece to hold in your hand, stirring memories of your dad. No way to put a price on that, but there are simple ways to protect it. Don't display it. Keep it under lock and key. A gun cabinet would work as well as a safe, as would any kind of lock box that can't be pried open too easily that is lag bolted through a floor or wall. You don't let the lock box be easily seen, this way repairmen and visitors can't target it. You take the ball out when you wish to display it and return it to it's home when done, safe and sound, same as you would do with your wallet or a firearm.