babe ruth
 

i have a base that has babe ruth signed in felt tip pen parts of it was signed are shiney and other parts look as ifn the ink was runnig out.would it make it worth the time to sell it or not? i have no reason to keep it.

first post and moved from the water-cooler section
 

I didn't really want to get into a discussion in an area I don't know too well so asked this person to post about it on the board. I am sure scans would be great unless there is a telltale sign with the original question? thanks

Felt tip pens did not exist during Ruth's lifetime. I believe they were invented in the early sixties or at least did not come into use in this country until that time. In fact, ballpoint pens were not in regular use until the late forties. As a result, there are few Ruth signatures in ballpoint pen and a felt tip signature would not be possible.

Actually, I believe felt tip pens were invented in the 40's, and although possible (Ruth died in 48) I think it would be highly unlikely that someone would have had one to use on a base. I believe felt tip pens (flairs) were not widely used until the 60's.

Felt tip pens were invented in 1962 in Japan. No way Ruth could sign with one.


dh

+1. and they weren't widely used until 1964.

Actually, they were invented in Japan in the 60's, however, I believe that is more an invention of the felt tip marker as we know it today (there was also another patent for a type of marker in the 50's). Supposedly, they had a type of marker in the 40's that was mainly used for labeling and in art work. Depends on the reference, but either way, I doubt very very much that someone would just happen to have access to one and have Ruth use it.

Mike is correct.

You are assuming the OP is correct in his view that it is signed in felt tip pen.

He could be mistaken. A feathered out fountain pen might look like a "felp tip."

is that why it looks like it was fading or got light

It would really make this easier and less of a guessing game for everyone if you could post a pic of the base & signature.