Nap rucker game used baseball - signatures?

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Hey guys,

I have had this ball for a while now and am about to put it up for sale. As I was editting the new photographs, I am convinced there are signatures on this ball which I can not make out.

The ball is later than 1914 and I think I have narrowed it down to 1917 (although the front says Nap Rucker 1914).

First are the 3 photos in which I think there are signatures. Can anyone make out or recognize anything? Maybe using a photoshop program to bring out the writing more?






I CIRCLED WHAT I BELIEVE IS A N in this photo.







Here are the other photos to help date it.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Anyone? Tha ks

[Sophiedog]

I think to be able to try and see any part of the signature the ball has to be in hand. Can't really see anything to help you from those pictures

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Thanks for the response. You're probably right.

[btcarfagno]

Try adjusting the color contrast with your computer. Sometimes you can see "invisible" signatures a bit better if you play around with it a bit.

Tom C

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

I dug deeper. Maybe someone can identify anything at all????? haha

I know I am reaching, but could the last 2 photos be a faded cobb?

One is without my cobb signature and one is if I traced over certain things.

ANY help would be appreciated.

[Mr. Zipper]

What I see is wishful thinking and confirmation bias.

In all seriousness, even if you could prove there is a Cobb signature that is 99.5% obliterated, who would want it?

[drcy]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

What I see is wishful thinking and confirmation bias.

In all seriousness, even if you could prove there is a Cobb signature that is 99.5% obliterated, who would want it?

It takes more than convincing yourself. One also has to convince the buyer.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

I truthfully don't care who signed it and 10000% agree with you and think the value at this point lies in the fact that it is a 17-18 NL ball, however if it is something that can help with the story and history, I think it's worth the effort. I took some black light photos and will upload soon.

Thanks for the responses. I will post shortly.

[Topnotchsy]

Would a black light help for this? What do the companies like PSA use to take pics of faded sigs? I know they use something because I’ve had certain like that.

[packs]

What would the theory be for Cobb being on the baseball? The two teams never played each other in 1914.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

My theory is that this is a 1917 Ball.

If I could confirm any signatures on here I would then look to see if there was a game played as a charity or benefit or retirement game to celebrate Rucker in 1917 in which any of those players played whom signed the baseball.

I personally don't care if it's Cobb or joe schmo as at this point the signature will barely add any monetary value in my opinion, however it could help with the historical value.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

Would a black light help for this? What do the companies like PSA use to take pics of faded sigs? I know they use something because I’ve had certain like that.

I tried but the photos are pretty bad lol

If anyone has any program they can insert these into I would really appreciate it.

here they are....

[GrayGhost]

There is even a leap of faith with it being a ball used by Nap Rucker. If it is what it seems,and I feel it prob is, it's a great piece as it is. The autograph is too hard to identify. Great history of the greatest sport of baseball of em all