This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2023
In memory of longtime hobby guru, Rich Altman, whose Hollywood Collectibles has been a leading South Florida dealer for decades, we are honored to present one of the finest Babe Ruth single signed baseballs in existence. Fascinating provenance places the ball as one of three that Ruth signed for a trio of Navy officers at a War Bond event in the early 1940’s. This offered specimen was apparently the lone survivor. Altman first purchased the ball in the 1990’s and it served as a tremendous branding token for his business – hence, the pedigree bearing his name and company. After selling the ball privately to a client, Rich re-acquired it some 20 years later before it was ultimately consigned to auction by the Altman family following his untimely passing in 2021.
The prestigious OAL (Harridge) baseball has a clean "Babe Ruth" signature across the sweet spot in dark blue fountain ink. Both JSA and PSA/DNA authentication experts have certified the autograph with a strong NM-MT 8 grade. Perhaps the only notch against the Bambino’s near-perfect pen stroke is slightly less pressure on the lower case “b” and “t” letters. Otherwise, we would be talking about an official 9 auto rating to match this ball’s mint eye appeal. The ball itself exhibits a lovely natural cream patina with soft toning that is evenly distributed on each panel. The Reach manufacturer and Official American League William Harridge stamps remain crisp and bold. As a nice bonus, the ball even comes with its original ‘Reach Base Ball’ red paper bag in fine condition (despite a slight tear) with colors and labels still bright and legible.
While it is a well-stated fact that Ruth signed an abundance of baseballs for kids and fans in his lifetime, the true hobbyist acknowledges this as perhaps his finest work and the pinnacle of any elite collection. Full LOA from PSA/DNA (Ball: 7 NM, Autograph: 8 NM-MT, Eye Appeal: +.5, Overall: 8 NM-MT). Additional LOA from JSA (Ball: 8 NM-MT, Signature: 8 NM-MT, Overall 8 NM-MT). Letter of provenance from Altman family.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.