Advice--1934 Tour of Japan ball

[Jeff]

Hi all,

I came across this forum while researching an item I'd like to sell. It seems like there a lot of good people here with integrity so I decided to join. I'm not a collector but understand the basics of the grading/selling "game." I'm hoping you might be able to give me some advice.

I have a ball signed by the American team who did the 1934 Tour of Japan (Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx, Mack, etc.). It was given to me by a relative and has been authenticated by William Tell.

I sent photos to one of the major auction houses, who told me they don't think it's authentic and that I should have PSA look at it. I'm prepared to do that, but I don't want to waste $250 or more.

I've researched every sale and photo of this item I can find online, and I honestly believe it's authentic. Among the reasons:

1. The ball is made by Draper-Maynard, who, from what I've read, stopped making baseballs in 1962.

2. Draper-Maynard was big in Japan around that time.

3. The ball has the signatures of every American--19 in all, including the umpire--who went on the tour. Even the signatures of the no-name players look very much like those on the same ball that have sold at major auctions.

In sum, it's by no means out of the question, but it would be a highly elaborate fraud. Most of the value is in the Ruth signature. I'd think forging a whole bunch of Ruth balls would be a better use of one's time and effort.

Ideally, I'd prefer not to play the game, just on principle--forking over a bunch of money to someone when I have no way of knowing the time invested in the service or the person's expertise. But I also realize the buyer is paying for the authentication, not the item, and I don't want to get $5k for a $20k item.

I've attached photos here. To be honest, the photos make the ball seem more white and the signatures more clear than they really are. That may be why the auction house doesn't think it's authentic. But the ball is definitely in better condition than most others I've seen online. It's tan-colored, and the signatures are consistently faded but easily legible.

Any advice about navigating the process would be appreciated. I guess as far as specific questions:

1. Any thoughts on its authenticity?

2. If I send it to PSA, is there anything I should be worried about? I've heard of items coming back damaged. Also, I'd be shipping it back and forth across the country and then again to the auction house, which concerns me.

3. Are there any resources for finding a private collector, such as a Ruth expert, who doesn't need a PSA LOA to have faith in the authenticity?

Thank you in advance for your advice.