This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2017
Some items are just so incredible, they have to be seen to be believed. This extremely rare Ruth signature serves as one of those items. One thing about Babe Ruth is, as far as his signature is concerned, he was extremely consistent. Typically signing in black steel-tip around the same size, no matter how large the medium given. In our years of experience, which includes hundreds to thousands of Ruth autographs being seen or offered, we have never had one quite like this beauty. Signed nearly a year prior to his death, this rare blue ballpoint signature serves as one of the finest of his entire life. Measuring an astonishing 5" in length & 1.25" in height, this signature nearly doubles the second largest signature we have ever offered, brilliantly placed on a 12.5" x 10" "Roulies" dinner place mat. It's interesting to note, since Ruth was diagnosed with a neck tumor in late 1946, he was in/out of the hospital until his eventual death in 1948. Autographs between the time of late 1946-1948 are exceedingly rare as the Babe was fairly emaciated & weak, yet not for this signature, as this easily serves as a true home run! Please note the 100 dollar bill is for scale purposes. Overall in fine condition with some minor rips to the place mat & one vertical fold. Full letter of authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA).