Help for the Unenlightened!

[Bonk!]

I'll start this by saying I know virtually nothing about sports memorabilia. This forum was kind enough to guide me when I found a Babe Ruth ball in my father's basement. Well, I now have two more via my father-in-law's estate. I haven't had either authenticated, and would appreciate opinions if its worth it. I have no reason to believe they are not authentic, as apparently they have been in his family since they were signed, and both are in very good condition. I believe the are from the early '40s, the first being signed by all the Boston Boston Braves and the second by all the St. Louis Cardinals (including Stan!). These have no sentimental value and we will donate any proceeds we get. So, is it worth sending them to PSA when they reopen? Thanks.

[darkhorse9]

It's always hard to judge from a photo, but those show every sign of being printed signatures to me.

There's no feathering in the signatures. They all appear very similar in pressure and size. One would expect much more fading on the signatures consistent with the fading on the ball.

Just my opinion, though

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I disagree, they are not uniform in intensity, they're not signed in perfect placement, even over the top of printing, and the ball is nowhere near complete. Also don't understand Frankie Drews on the ball unless he coached for STL. I can't say definitively if they are authentic, but I am fairly certain they are actual signatures.

EDIT: OK guessing he got this at a Boston Braves vs Cardinals game in 1944 or 1945. Tommy Holmes was a Brave as was Drews. Drews only appeared in the majors in 1944 and 45. Almost guarantees it's not a stamp. You don't have stamped balls of a handful of players from two teams. Unfortunately multi signed balls without a real theme aren't the most valuable things in the world even with a Musial signature.

[roarfrom34]

definitely not printed

[Bonk!]

Thanks - so based on this (I knew the value would be less with multiple signatures) do you think it's worth having them authenticated? I am in the Boston area so we'll donate the Braves ball to a charity auction, so I'll focus on the Cards ball.

[charlietheexterminator]

What I can tell is, they are some really strong autographs. Like they were done yesterday....I would prefer to see a little more wear, but that’s me

[Bonk!]

Originally Posted by charlietheexterminator

What I can tell is, they are some really strong autographs. Like they were done yesterday....I would prefer to see a little more wear, but that’s me

Thanks - the family can trace the balls back 50 years - not quite back to the signatures which, from the names I can read, are from 1943.

We also have a ball signed by all the Fisk-era Red Sox. It's pretty beat up - that one we know is real because my father-in-law was a news anchor out here and got those autographs personally. That one we're hanging on to....