There are no two names in the history of sports that evoke more reverence than Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Their legends have reached mythical proportions and their faces are woven into the tapestry of American history. Thus, their stature in the realm of sports memorabilia is similarly unparalleled. Offered here is a very nice example of one of the most coveted collectibles in the hobby.
This red-and-blue stitched Spalding Official Special baseball, circa late 1920s to early 30s, was dual-signed by the two baseball immortals around that time. As usual, Ruth has commanded the sweet spot, while Gehrig owns the adjacent panel. Both signatures appear in similar same 6/10 black fountain ink. Ideal placement allows both autographs to be visible from a single vantage point. The unique ball was “MADE ESPECIALLY FOR NAT. C. STRONG” as the large stamping indicates to the right of the center manufacturing label.
Nathaniel Calvin "Nat" Strong (1874–1935) was a highly successfully businessman and baseball executive predominantly in the Negro Leagues. He was Secretary for the National Association of Colored Baseball Clubs of the U.S. and Cuba, which began play in 1907. Later, he served in the front office for the New York Black Yankees, had part ownership of the Cuban Stars, and became majority owner of the Brooklyn Royal Giants. Strong also worked for Spalding and at one point owned the New York World Building (a Manhattan skyscraper also known as the Pulitzer Building).
The un-shellacked ball has moderate-to-heavy soiling and toning, although its uniformly consistent color allows the manufacturing stamps, as well as the autographs, to remain perfectly legible. There are a couple isolated spots of brown toning that, unfortunately, appear right in the middle of each autograph. If not for these marks, the eye appeal would be far greater. Still, both signatures are perfectly symmetrical and legible with solid pen strokes. Fresh to the market, the ball would certainly make a wonderful addition to any esteemed Yankees collection. Includes full LOA from JSA.