Babe Ruth barn find. single-signed ball. 96 years in my family

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by Michael B

I can see 1934 not 1924. The top of the '3' is visible. Part of it is missing, but still a 3.

Look at the “2” in “25”’above it. They are both the same, just a little longer tail on the bottom “2”, to my eye.

[Bpm0014]

I can see 1934 not 1924. The top of the '3' is visible. Part of it is missing, but still a 3.

It is undeniably, and with 100% certainty, that it is a "2" and not a "3". Thus the year is (without question) 1924. The signature in question matches up perfectly with a 1924 time frame signature. His 1934 signature, while similar, looks nothing like this exemplar.

[jhs5120]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

I can see 1934 not 1924. The top of the '3' is visible. Part of it is missing, but still a 3.

It is undeniably, and with 100% certainty, that it is a "2" and not a "3". Thus the year is (without question) 1924. The signature in question matches up perfectly with a 1924 time frame signature. His 1934 signature, while similar, looks nothing like this exemplar.

I agree with this. Ruth makes his 2's look like 3's some times. Example.

Also, look how he writes "Oct. 25" Had there been a 35th day in October, you might believe that "2" was a "3."

[ATP]

Very neat. It's definitely "1924", not only because that's what's written as the date :-) (that's Ruth's style of "2") but because it's a 1920's style of his signature. They were much more "pancaked" at that stage of his career (note the flatter large loop of the "R", (though it's not just the R that's "pancaked" at that era, the whole signature is just more squished vertically compared to later on). Very nice, authentic, hobby fresh Ruth, congrats

[Bpm0014]

I think you're low. Likely $4,000-6,000

I'd be very, very surprised if it went that high. Look at recent sales. And the one above is missing almost the entire first name. Don't get me wrong, I hope the balls brings $10,000 but a more realistic number is $3000-ish...

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

I think you're low. Likely $4,000-6,000

I'd be very, very surprised if it went that high. Look at recent sales. And the one above is missing almost the entire first name. Don't get me wrong, I hope the balls brings $10,000 but a more realistic number is $3000-ish...

I agree.

[nondescript]

I want to send my deepest thanks to all of you that have provided input on this baseball. Your research, and guidance have really helped me.

Special thanks to Mike, Ken, Brendan, Rich (great research on the west coast barnstorming tour!), and Chris.

This community inspired me to get the ball authenticated earlier this morning at a PSA collector event in California.

I want to share good news. Psa's top Ruth authenticator, with 30 years under his belt, says the following:
1. The ball is a real league ball.
2. The babe Ruth signature is authentic.
3. It was signed on October 25th, 1924 in San Francisco, CA
4. it is his expert opinion that this was a game-used baseball that was signed by Ruth after hitting it out of the park. Of course, there is no way to verify this. Nice story though.

I plan on selling the baseball. Several of you have suggested that I use a top tier auction house, and a person has also suggested selling this on eBay. looking to maximize my net, so I want to keep the fees as low as possible while getting to the right audience. Open to other guidance here.

Warmest regards.