Help with Babe Ruth Autograph

[Out of the Past]

Hi. I am a sports fan but I have no knowledge or experience with the authenticity or value of baseball memorabilia. I have this photograph that is signed by Babe Ruth that has been in my family for quite some time. I know that my Grandfather gave it to my father, who in turn gave it to me. I am assuming it is authentic but have no verification. I was wondering two things: 1) Does this look real to you guys from the photos, and 2) how much is something like this worth?
Any input would be appreciated, thanks!

[RichardSimon]

Unfortunately it is worth zero.
The signature on this photo was signed by a relative or secretary and almost certainly signed in 1948, the last year of Ruth's life. He had a ghost signer then due to his poor health.

[David Atkatz]

The ghost signer was his wife, Claire.

[prewarsports]

I know it is small consolation, but I bet it is still worth $150-$200 as an authentic 1940's Ruth photo and a signature signed by his wife is collectible as opposed to a flat out forgery. I bet if you put it on ebay for $200 with full disclosure, someone buys it. Sounds like it is a cool piece of family memorabilia and still a vintage item related to Ruth from his lifetime and it still has some value, it is just not an authentic Babe Ruth signature in his hand.

[David Atkatz]

Quite true.

[travrosty]

Send it to one of the popular authentication companies, they will cert it.

It will be worth 4000 dollars tomorrow.

[thetruthisoutthere]

I'm sure Ted Taylor, Chris Morales or Drew Max would pass them.

[thetruthisoutthere]

In all seriousness, it's sad that someone would own items like that for a long time only to discover they are no good. Very sad.

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by prewarsports

I know it is small consolation, but I bet it is still worth $150-$200 as an authentic 1940's Ruth photo and a signature signed by his wife is collectible as opposed to a flat out forgery. I bet if you put it on ebay for $200 with full disclosure, someone buys it. Sounds like it is a cool piece of family memorabilia and still a vintage item related to Ruth from his lifetime and it still has some value, it is just not an authentic Babe Ruth signature in his hand.

Good point, Prewar.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by travrosty

Send it to one of the popular authentication companies, they will cert it.

It will be worth 4000 dollars tomorrow.

My feelings about those companies have been expressed here on more than one occasion, but they won't get this one wrong.
I would make any size bet that this gets a turndown letter from the "popular authentication" companies.

[Out of the Past]

Thanks very much for the information everybody I appreciate it. Disappointing news but good to know the truth.

[travrosty]

I was just kidding, but there is a kernel of truth to it considering what has passed previously.