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Lot # 515: 1931 Babe Ruth Signed Game Used Bat (PSA 9)

Category: Ruth and Gehrig

Starting Bid: $25,000.00

Bids: 19 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Steel17",
which ran from 2/15/2017 10:00 AM to
3/17/2017 9:00 PM



Just feel the power of the legend among legends surging through this very special offering, one of only a few signed, game used bats from George Herman "Babe" Ruth that still exist. This one is terrific, as not only is it a near-perfect example of a Ruth game used bat, it is signed in strong fountain ink and has verifiable provenance - it is signed to Matty Martin, doorman of the Stork Nightclub, who was a close friend of the Bambino's and was personally given this prize.Measuring at 35" and a little over 35 ounces, it matches factory records, center label branding is very crisp and clear as is the "George Babe Ruth" facsimile on the barrel. "Powerized Pat. Pend." is above the center label on the barrel, and this is the earliest form of the Powerized label on H&B bats. It's uncracked and shows very nice use with ball marks and green, gray and white paint transfers from being in the bat rack at various stadiums.This gem is signed on the back of the barrel in black fountain ink, "To My Friend Matty Martin From Babe Ruth,"and the ink is still amazingly dark, rating 8/10, though a coat of protectant put over the signature has darkened portions of the wood, making the contrast a bit murky at spots.It appears that the bat was signed by Ruth twice with a lighter inscription visible in the same area - we think that he signed on the dark wood and the signature and inscription could not be seen well so at a later date, Matty sanded a portion of the bat and had Babe re-sign it - We are glad that he did!The bat is graded by PSA as a GU 9, comes with PSA LOA, number C86021 for use and an additional LOA for signature in which PSA confirms the other Ruth signature. Call it what you will - Valhalla, the Holy Grail - whatever term you choose, this is one of the more elite items to ever come to the market.

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