Open 'a' Ruth autographs

[Runscott]

All the examples below are from Legendary lots 1027-1033, described as a "Special Collection of Babe Ruth autographed items."

There has been a lot of discussion here about the open 'a' indicating possible problems with his autograph. Out of the 5 items signed "Babe", two show the open 'a' and a third has a non-open-a autograph signed on a photo that has a facsimile autograph with an open 'a'. Is the open 'a' thing a myth? The first one below shows the real autograph signed on the print containing the facsimile open 'a'. If the print with the facsimile is legit, then doesn't that put the open 'a' thing to rest?

There is no nefarious intent behind this post - I just thought it was interesting. My Ruth has an open 'a', so obviously I'd hope it's not an issue.

[Runscott]

I know there are a lot of collectors here who have an interest in such things, and who have definite thoughts on this subject.

So I'll just assume I'm so despised in this sub-forum that no one is going to comment, which is okay. I'm not too crazy about most of you either. Still, I love vintage autographs and this is pretty much the only place to discuss them, so I will continue to amuse myself.

[ATP]

Sorry I don't have anything really constructive to add regarding the open "a", I never really looked at the a as one of the things I would zero in on when I was buying if. If there is one thing I have learned about Ruth and his handwriting the last couple years, it is that overall he was quite inconsistent all the way across the board (where he breaked in letter connections, loopier than others on occasion, etc)

[David Atkatz]

I don't despise you, Scott. In fact, I kinda like you.

Genuine "open-a" Ruths do exist. Here's one from my collection:

[Runscott]

Thanks, David and Jeff. My comment about being despised was sort of a joke, not that I really give a shit. Normally I would discuss things like this with a few people offline, but thought I'd troll a little

[Klrdds]

I do not believe the open vs closed "a" is really an issue unless it is so open that it looks almost like a "u". I feel that there are other characteristics in Ruth's signature to be more concerned about when looking for real vs forged Ruth signatures.
I just read your post and truthfully found it an interesting topic, because I have never looked at the "a" in Babe as an identifier/ indicator of real vs forged.

[shelly]

Scott, it is one of things you look at. Nothing is a given. If you see than you look a little bit harder.

[btcarfagno]

I'm still recovering from you beating me out on the Glory Of Their Times Lot a month ago. Although I think "despise" is a bit strong.

I don't "despise" you.

At least not anymore.

Maybe...



Tom C

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by shelly

Scott, it is one of things you look at. Nothing is a given. If you see than you look a little bit harder.

Shelly, you know how long it took for me to pull the trigger on a Ruth, and the one I chose exhibited two of the dreaded forgery tells. Thanks to three forum members for helping me out with that.

Tom, I'm pricing some of the GOT items for Saturday's show, as we speak. I'm rarely looking to make a killing, so shoot me an email if there are any you have an interest in. The Crawford and Meyers items and the Covaleskie check are the only ones off the board for the moment.

[HRBAKER]

Scott,
If there are folks that despise you, you must be doing something right.

[Runscott]

Jeff, the Shoreline show today was a blast. I was amazed at how many forum members were there - lots of good conversation. Oddly, no one seemed to despise anyone else

I'm thinking it's mainly an internet thing.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Thanks for sharing the pictures. When I started collecting autographs (I used to collect football) an older collector gave me the advice at looking at the autographs upside down. Inconsistencies were easier to see that way. FWIW