3 Autographed Basballs Babe Ruth, Connie Mack

[kmac32]

Hello to all,

My wife and her friend were shopping at a thrift shop last week in Tucson and found 3 old autographed baseballs. One is a Ruth Autograph, one has multiple signiatures including Connie mack, and the last has unidentified autographs. The question is does anyone know a reputable location to send the balls to for authenticity and aging. One of the balls is coated with crazing, the other 2 are in better shape with stitching consistant of a ball from the late 20's to mid 30's. Not looking to sell the balls just trying to identify.

Thanks,

Kmac

[John V]

Post some photos here. There is enough expertise on the board to give you a good idea of what you have.

[kmac32]

will get the balls from my wife's friend probably Tuesday and post. I almost did it tonight but was researching the signiatures that are very faded. As Close as i can tell, the ball with the Connie Mack is probably from 1927 based on the autographs present and the Ruth ball appears to be from the same era

[GrayGhost]

The only baseballs I only see at thrift shops are just plain dirty balls. Once I did see one that was signed. Mickee Mantel. new York Yanki. I think that was a kid's scribble. and NOT authentic;)

[kmac32]

Here are pics of the balls I had earlier discussed. We have narrowed 2 of the balls down to specific teams on the basis of player signatures. Ball 1 is the 1933 Philadelphia Athletics with signatures Connie Mack, Bob Johnson, Bobby Coombs, Max Bishop, Eddie Cihocki, Rube Walberg, Pinky Higgins, and Lefty Grove.

Ball 2 is the 1948 St. Louis Cardinals which is severely crazed. Identafiable signiatures are Del Rice, Ted Wilkins, Max Lanier, Bill Baker, Johnny Bucha

Ball 3 is Babe Ruth probably from 1933 as the 1933 Ball and this one are quite similar in construction.

All balls are in rough condition, as evidenced by the pictures. The 1948 ball appears to have been covered with some kind of lacquer type preservative...so some of the names are not legible.

Let me know your thoughts and approx. values, if known. Also would like suggestions where to send them for authentication. Know of JSA.
Thanks,
Kmac

[kmac32]

More pics....

[kmac32]

Here are more pics.....

[kmac32]

The final picture

[perezfan]

Just my opinion (and I'm sure others will chime in...)

But I think the Connie Mack is secretarial, with the "Mack" being worse than the "Connie". Also, he almost always signed the sweetspot of team-signed balls.

The Ruth is waaaaay off... even childish looking. I am not sure this one was even intended to be a serious forgery. Probably someone just goofing around.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news :(

[kmac32]

What is a secretarial ball? Not familiar with that term. Can you give me more info? Thanks, Kmac

[calvindog]

Ken, that means that the ball was signed by Mack's secretary. Similar term is a "clubhouse signature" in which the autograph was done by a batboy or someone affiliated with the team but not the player himself.

[GrayGhost]

Agreed. The "Mack" doesnt look good, and playful Ruth. Regardless, if a thrift shop buy, at least not a lot of money spent.

[cbcbcb]

I don't claim to be an expert, but that definitely is a secretarial Mack signature. Hopefully it wasn't too expensive.

[kmac32]

not expensive at all. it was a whole $1.50 so even if they are not real, nothing lost.

[khkco4bls]

secretarial means it was signed by someone from the office , or a clubhouse guy.

[kmac32]

if the Autographs were legit, any idea what they would be worth in the condition they are in?