Mathewson Ball on Ebay... ended tonight

[Runscott]

Disclaimer: Dave, I think the following is basically agreeing with you, so please don't get upset with me.

What does it really mean when a bad ball sells for $8,800? Surely the winner and underbidder thought it was real, or they wouldn't have paid anything for it.

I think it's more likely that the top two bidders thought it was real and that they were getting a great deal, but as Dave basically said, those who knew how to i.d. a real Matty autograph stayed away from it.

Other option is that someone bought it figuring they could re-sell it for more.

[CW]

Ah, thanks, Dave, and others about the REA auction info on this ball. I was unaware of that previous sale.

And while it doesn't prove anything, it is interesting to note that the 2nd place underbidder on the Ebay auction conveniently bid that same as the REA ending price. Not conclusive by any means, but could possibly be the original owner "protecting their investment".

I may take minor leaps of faith every day of my life, but $9K leaps of faith can be a little hard to stomach.

If I was fortunate enough to have a legit Matty signed ball with rock solid provenance in my collection, I sure wouldn't want these watered-down "authenticated" versions running amok in the market.