ruth check question

[David Atkatz]

Supply and demand, Scott. Everyone is familiar with checks, and Ruth's are pre-printed "Babe Ruth." Much bigger comfort zone.

[shelly]

I agree with Scott. I have seen hundreds of GH Ruth Checks but almost never see a counter check. The last time I saw one I think was about five years ago. I am sure if it is going into auction it will be certed.
I think it should sell for more because it is an item you dont see very often. Just an opinion.

[David Atkatz]

I once had--and subsequently sold--a Gehrig-signed paper party hat. Only one I've ever seen. Probably the only one anyone's ever seen.

It didn't make me rich. (Supply and demand.)

[drcy]

Buyer perception does influence, but the average person who sees the Ruth voucher and isn't told its name would call it a bank check because that's basically what it looks like. It would be accountants and seasoned autograph collectors who call it a voucher not a check. If I hadn't been informed of the correct terminology by Scott, I would call it a check.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

I once had--and subsequently sold--a Gehrig-signed paper party hat. Only one I've ever seen. Probably the only one anyone's ever seen.

It didn't make me rich. (Supply and demand.)

If it was larger than Gehrig's normal paper party hats, and the signature was larger, I think it might have sold for more than his normal small ones that are pre-printed with his name.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Supply and demand, Scott. Everyone is familiar with checks, and Ruth's are pre-printed "Babe Ruth." Much bigger comfort zone.

That's why I said "I hope". My gamble was that collectors might want a larger signature on a tougher item - 2 such collectors would be enough. I could be wrong of course. I'm surprised at how many collectors (not just in this thread, but I have had PM's as well) are asking if signed Ruth checks are good - his signatures on these appear (to me) to be his most consistent. And while I am not a COA fan, the JSA letter that comes with mine might provide additional comfort.

[r2678]

Does the fact that most of his checks are signed by his initials GH instead of Babe hold down their value, or does the perceived authenticity of a check balance that out?

[Klrdds]

In my opinion the value is because it is a Ruth piece specifically a check regardless of signature type, and a check is a great Ruth piece for any collection. I view the G H Ruth signature on my Ruth check as just another variation of his signature. As a purist if you collect Ruth autographed items you could do as I and many others have done and collect all variations of his signature on items, it makes a fun search/project.

[w7imel]

And to Scott's reply about so many people asking if Ruth checks are ok. Its because the autograph forgeries have made myself as well as I'm sure most of us leary of dropping several thousand bucks on something that at least someone with years experience hasn't looked at for a quick second opinion.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by w7imel

And to Scott's reply about so many people asking if Ruth checks are ok. Its because the autograph forgeries have made myself as well as I'm sure most of us leary of dropping several thousand bucks on something that at least someone with years experience hasn't looked at for a quick second opinion.

As you spend more time studying examples of Ruth's signature, you will hopefully become more comfortable with non-legal signed items. With all the forgeries out there, it certainly is more rewarding to acquire an item that you had to work harder to feel comfortable with. I have a Ruth-signed notecard as an example, and love the story behind it.

I haven't trusted most Ruth-signed balls but at the National a friend of a friend brought a 1928 Ruth home run ball to my table for an opinion. I was surprised at how easy it was to feel comfortable that it was real, even without the amazing story behind it. After this experience I made a mental note to myself: Don't rule out Ruth-signed balls, but make sure you can see them in person before purchasing.

Nothing wrong with getting second opinions. One person might feel very comfortable buying Ruth checks, but not so much buying a ball. Others might not feel comfortable with anything, which is also fine.