Babe Ruth Signed Bat? Help Requested

[bat_master]

Hi Everyone,

I decided last night to take a chance on an item that I'm hoping was lost in the listings on ebay and not an outright forgery. The item is advertised simply as a 'Vintage 1920s-1940s Hillerich & Bradsby Bat', ebay #130028753504. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=130028753504)

I was the high bidder in that auction, but wanted to get some thoughts on it. What do you think of the Ruth sig? Does anyone here even think there is a remote chance it could be real? According to the answered question the bat is 33 inches long.

Thanks
Tim Byington

[trsent]

The seller appears to state the bat may have been looked over by an autograph authenticator who did not approve the signature since their letter comes with the item.

The bat has not been authenticated by a well known authentication company or authenticator. But it was examine by a impendent one. The letter in question will be sent with the bat to the winner of this auction.

I would say if the letter approved the autograph, the seller would have sold the item as such with a genuine autograph. Still a neat item for $100.00.

[bat_master]

Exactly. I figured for around $100 it was at least worth a shot. I think when I get it I'm going to send it either to JSA or PSA and have them look at it. I guess I'll hope for the best.

Thanks

Tim

[skipcareyisfat]

Tim - On the bright side, there's always Coaches Corner!

[sammy]

The signature is not authentic.

The examination was performed by Donald Frangipani, as per the knob.

The autograph will not pass PAAS, PSA/DNA, GAI.

[bat_master]

Sammy,

How did you know that by looking at the knob?

Thanks

Tim

[Rob L]

The signature is well done, but PAAS is one of the better authentication companies. PAAS has three authenticators look at it and they must all agree before they deem the signature authentic. You may want to send the bat to JSA or PSA/DNA (if Mike Gutierrez will look at it) for a second opinion.

Rob L

[mjkm90]

Regardless of what anyone tells you, do not destroy the bat! If the signature isn't legit, simply sand and refinish it. A nice hand turned H&B (assuming the stamping is early) will be worth $100-$200 easy. The only thing against "the bat" is that it's under 34". Post a clear photo of the branding here when you get it.

[bat_master]

After contemplating the situation for quite awhile I decided that once I receive the bat I'm going to send it off to Richard Simon for authentication. I have already emailed Mr. Simon about it and am hopeful that he will be able to tell me for sure whether the bat is good or bad.

At this time, I am hopeful to actually receive the bat. I've sent two emails to the seller in the last 35 hours without response and just found out that his phone has been disconnected. This alone has me doubting as to whether or not I actually get the item.

Thanks to everyone for the help.

Tim Byington

[sammy]

I have 50.00 that says Simon agrees with me and fails the autograph.

Any suckers, I mean takers.

This is a juvenile attempt at a Babe Ruth signature.






Hi Tim,

Please post the results when you get the bat back.