A remarkable piece of sports memorabilia is set to take center stage at Heritage Auctions. A Spalding baseball glove from the 1916 World Series, featuring not one but two autographs of Babe Ruth, is creating a buzz among collectors. The glove, once owned by Joe E. Brown, an entertainment icon of the 1930s, is expected to fetch a price surpassing $1 million at the auction. With its historical significance and rarity, this glove is one of the most eagerly awaited lots.
The glove’s association with Babe Ruth during his time with the Boston Red Sox in the 1916 World Series adds to its allure. The glove is a portal to baseball’s storied past, and its connection to Ruth makes it a highly sought-after piece of memorabilia. Experts predict that the final hammer price for this precious artifact will reach seven figures, reflecting its historical importance and scarcity.
Joe E. Brown, known for his contributions to acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting, was also an avid collector of sports memorabilia. The glove was part of his remarkable collection, which showcased his passion for preserving pieces of the past. Though Brown’s memory may have faded over time, the legacy he left through this glove and other cherished items lives on.
What makes this glove truly exceptional are the dual signatures of Babe Ruth. The first signature dates back to 1916 when Ruth, together with his Red Sox teammates, clinched victory in the World Series against the Brooklyn Robins. The second signature, accompanied by Ruth’s handwritten note that reads, “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” was added years later, serving as a testament to the glove’s role in his early career. Furthermore, the glove also bears the autographs of Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, adding to its historical significance and value as a piece of baseball history.
The initial bidding for the glove has been intense, with the price quickly surpassing $300,000 within the first day of the auction. This early fervor signals a strong interest from collectors worldwide, and Heritage Auctions is optimistic about the possibility of reaching or even exceeding the $1 million mark. The auction follows the sale of another Ruth-related item, a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin, which set a precedent by fetching $1.5 million in a previous auction. This demonstrates the tremendous market value of authentic Babe Ruth memorabilia.
To ensure the authenticity of the glove, it has been thoroughly examined and authenticated by Beckett and PSA/DNA, with Steve Grad of Beckett describing the process as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” This meticulous authentication process gives potential bidders confidence in the legitimacy of Ruth’s signatures and confirms the glove’s historical significance.
Despite being devastated by fire at one point, Joe E. Brown’s collection continues to make an impact in the world of sports memorabilia. This auction offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a valuable piece of baseball history and serves as a tribute to the enduring legacies of Babe Ruth and Joe E. Brown’s passionate collecting. As the auction date approaches, the excitement and anticipation surrounding this historic sale continue to grow, promising a memorable event that will be remembered for years to come.
