Austin, Cravath, Ken Williams signed ball - value question
 

Hi,

I'm interested in opinions or guidance in determining the value of a ball signed by the following:

Jimmy Austin - played for the NY Highlanders and St Louis Browns from 1909 to the early 1920s, and then coached the Browns (and I believe the ChiSox) for another 20+. He's the 3rd baseman in the well known 1909 Ty Cobb photo sliding into the base. Fairly rare autograph from my experience.

Ken Williams - played for the Reds St Louis Browns & BoSox from 1915-29. He broke Babe Ruth's string of leading the AL in HRs in 1922. He also was the first AL player to hit 2 HRs in one inning. and the 1st 30-30 player. Again, somewhat rare auto on a ball.

Gavy Cravath - played from 1908-09, 1912-20 with Boston, Chicago & Washington in the AL, then the Phillies. He led the NL in HRs six times during the 1910's. I've only found one other example of a Cravath - an auction in 2005 for a 1950s era that sold for $1,400. So pretty rare, I believe.

So maybe someone with greater expertise than I could offer some valuation opinions on it. I appreciate the feedback.

Thank you,

Jim

I don't have a clue as to value but can say that if the Cravath you saw was a single-signed ball it would have more value, generally speaking, to collectors than one that is multi-signed. So that price may be an aberration. That said, the Williams displays nicely as a single from the pic you posted, and I think he is still a somewhat strong HOF candidate. I think that's where the bulk of the value lies in this ball. Really nice item!

Thanks, Derek. Wholeheartedly agree that a single would have the greater value. I neglected to mention the other I did locate was a multi-signed, with Austin (ironically), Harry Hooper & Everett Scott. Obviously the other signers influenced that value, too.