Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on October 27, 2011 at 3:59am

JSA knows a lot more about Ruth than I do, but I do not like the quality of the signature, real or not. I would not buy it.  The Ruth part is very non-typical.

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Permalink Reply by CEE GEE on October 27, 2011 at 4:13am

Once again I will agree with Terrier...not taking away from JSA opinion...but that Ruth is just Terribly sloppy...Real or not I personally would not purchase it...

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Permalink Reply by Bill C on October 27, 2011 at 9:44am

Thanks for the opinion. When you say the Ruth part is very non-typical - is it because of the non-closed R or that the u doesn't go higher on the second stroke? You don't think that JSA authenticated this and it's a fake, do you?

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on October 27, 2011 at 9:56am

Hey Bill.  I am not trying to question JSA's expertise.  Basically anytime you do not receive an autograph in person, it comes down to an opinion.  some are better educated than others. that is why this site is so great, because you get people with different areas of expertise chiming in.  In the case of any of these third party authenticators, they authenticate anything.....and no one can be en expert on everything.

But in the case of Ruth, there are thousands of legitimate examples one can use to compare.  Here is one I just pulled off of ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BABE-RUTH-SINGLE-SIGNED-AUTO-BASEBALL-PSA-D...

this is a very nice, and very typical Ruth signature.  To answer your question more directly, there isn't ONE letter that I see that is consistent with any known Ruth example.  So I don't like to go to the point of saying that JSA authenticated a forgery, I just like to say that it does not appear to be consistent with the examples I have seen. (I do own a Ruth signed ball, also)

It is certainly possible that Ruth signed this while running to catch a train, but just judging it on its own merits, I do not like it.

Hope this helps!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 27, 2011 at 10:07am

Hi Bill,

Wait for more input--hopefully people with more expertise with Ruth signatures will reply. What they're saying, which I what I think, is that they don't think it's not an attractive Babe Ruth autograph whether it's real or not. 

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Permalink Reply by CEE GEE on October 27, 2011 at 11:53am

Well put Mr.Cyrkin...legit or not its just not very attractive to me personally..

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Permalink Reply by Bill C on October 27, 2011 at 10:45am

Thanks for the help guys! If I were to get a cut signature that is more "attractive," how much would I be paying? I don't want to drop a bank!

And if there are any more Ruth experts out there, I'd love to get their opinion. I have other items with a JSA and there is no question that they are real. I'm really surprised with Terrier's input that there is not a real match even though they passed it.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 27, 2011 at 11:10am

Bill,

I expect that if you show the piece to someone who really knows Babe Ruth, they'll say it's unquestionably good. Cee Gee, Terrier and I are simply more familiar with the classic Ruth signatures. If you like how it looks, wait for more input, or even have PSA/DNA look at it. If it's up for auction a quick opinion is under $10.

A more attractive signature would be roughly $2,500, give or take 20%.

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Permalink Reply by CEE GEE on October 27, 2011 at 11:57am

More great info right here from Steve....you can definitely quick opinion it up for 10 bucks...

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Permalink Reply by Bill C on October 27, 2011 at 11:53am

Thanks, Steve! If there any Ruth guys out there, please let me know!

Also, another question - What is your opinion on getting autographs that are more vintage and paying less for one that is not as good and is less expensive than one that is better and more just to get that person's signature. For example, if you could get a Gehrig cut signature that's not as good for $1500 vs. one that is better at $3000, but $1500 is more in your price range, what would you tell people to do? I have that asked to me, so I'd like other opinions.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 27, 2011 at 12:07pm

Great question, Bill. It's important not to overpay, but if you're looking at as an investment as well, I'd go for quality every time. Spend time learning about the market over the years for the autograph you're considering, and consider spending more for something special, too. Select pieces, even simple signatures, that make people say WOW!

Continue to make sure authenticity is as unquestionable as possible, like you're obviously doing. You're on the right path.

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Permalink Reply by CEE GEE on October 27, 2011 at 12:48pm

One thing for sure in this great hobby you can easily go spend crazy on a single piece you just have to have...I have fallen victim to what I like to call (The Friv Monster) when you spend your money on any item WITH A FRIVOLOUS OUTCOME...that being said a fake could hold a just as expensive and heavy price tag...

But always buy in your realm of spending...if you can get something in lesser condition or grade because of your spending limit...then buy all means do so...this is not a contest...but unfortunately some collectors try to make it that way... 

Always buy form reputable sellers and people you can trust...AND ON RUTH...do the research fully...an authentic piece is going to be a minimum of 2.5 to 3K all day...

Patients is a virtue in this hobby...so make sure if you want to go all out on a super sweet Ruth or if its going to be your one prized possession...do all the research you can...and always feel free to post a picture or link here first...it could save you literally thousands on collector opinions...  

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