If you had exactly $117,603.60 to spend on a Prewar Ruth/Gehrig item, which one?

[GasHouseGang]

The bat, no doubt. There are so many more cards available than actual bats used by "The Babe".

[bnorth]

The bat and it isn't even close. The card is just a picture printed on some paper that the player hasn't even seen or touched. The bat was actually used by the player.

[glchen]

The bat for me also, same reason as everyone else, as Ruth actually used the bat, and the card is just a piece of cardboard.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by glchen

The bat for me also, same reason as everyone else, as Ruth actually used the bat, and the card is just a piece of cardboard.

+1 the bat

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by glchen

The bat for me also, same reason as everyone else, as Ruth actually used the bat, and the card is just a piece of cardboard.

But both card and bat are manufactured from wood, a renewable resource that cardboard manufacturers like to remind consumers about.

And who knows, perhaps in some alternate universe the Babe touched the Lou Exhibit card. I like to think it possible/almost likely. As an example, I am pretty sure Ruth spent some quality scissor time making the below Exhibit into a die cut.

exhibitgehrig 001 (417x640).jpgexhibitgehrigback 001 (411x640).jpg


Brian

[frankbmd]

$117,603.47 for the bat, but not a penny or nickel higher.

[D. Bergin]

If somebody who knows game used stuff far better then me, can convince me that was an actual Babe Ruth game used bat, and will be considered as such far into the future, no matter what technology or evidence comes along to possibly dispute it......then.....of course.....the bat, for all the reasons already given in this thread.

I feel like it wasn't that long ago, Exhibits were practically being given away, even of stars, at least in comparison to Goudeys, T-Cards and Candy cards.

Exhibits weren't even considered "cards", by the majority of the hobby, and were pretty well looked down upon. I never agreed with this sentiment, but I sure wish I had the foresight back then to sock a few key exhibits away for a rainy day.

[packs]

Bat all the way. A Gehrig rookie is a monster card but I find myself drawn to tangible history as well. Holding Ruth's own bat in your hands puts you closer to the game than any card.