Babe Ruth Signature Authenticity Question

[rand1com]

I have looked at thousands of Ruth autographs over the last 30 years and have never seen even (1) that has that beginning stroke to the “u”. It may indeed be authentic but is certainly not a “dead on” example.

[Bpm0014]

I agree with you. Never saw the “u” like that. The “th” is also atypical. However I’ve studied Ruth extensively; it’s good just weird/different. I’m not sure who said it was “dead on”. It certainly isn’t. But it’s undoubtedly good.

[Carter08]

I’m not even an amateur but I did a google search for psa authentic ruth signatures and a bunch seem to have a start to the u. Auto authentication is a tough world I suppose.

[rand1com]

Originally Posted by Carter08

I’m not even an amateur but I did a google search for psa authentic ruth signatures and a bunch seem to have a start to the u. Auto authentication is a tough world I suppose.

They all have a curved starting stroke. This one has an abrupt upright stroke. That is the difference between this one and all others I have ever seen.

[Carter08]

Originally Posted by rand1com

They all have a curved starting stroke. This one has an abrupt upright stroke. That is the difference between this one and all others I have ever seen.

Got it. I saw curved as well.

[Bpm0014]

It would not surprise me if it comes back from a major authentication company as "unable to render an opinion."

The “a” is hard to replicate. And this one is fine. The “u” is definitely abnormal but if someone is trying to pass a forgery they are not going to make an abnormal “u”. I promise you it’s good. And again, I never ever advocate for a TPA…but in this case I do. It’s a good autograph, and the TPA should back that up and ease any worries.

[MVSNYC]

A few things I don't like...as mentioned above, the "u" in Ruth always starts with a curved element entering the letter. The "e" in Babe always has a final upswing to the start of the "R". Finally, I don't like the "S" in Sincerely.

Not saying it's fake, but has a few issues, IMO. I'd send it in to get authenticated.

[rand1com]

Actually, the quote was "on the money" from a previous post. I would say that is the same as "dead on."

I know you are an expert on Ruth and defer to your opinion but I also don't like the "c" or the "r" in "sincerely" nor the comma after "sincerely" which is also the first example I have ever seen with one. Too many "oops" for my liking.

It would not surprise me if it comes back from a major authentication company as "unable to render an opinion."

[BRoberts]

Originally Posted by rand1com

I know you are an expert on Ruth and defer to your opinion but I also don't like the "c" or the "r" in "sincerely" nor the comma after "sincerely" which is also the first example I have ever seen with one. Too many "oops" for my liking.

If we want to be accurate, a self-anointed expert at best.

[rand1com]

Originally Posted by BRoberts

If we want to be accurate, a self-anointed expert at best.

I disagree. I believe he is indeed an expert on Ruth autographs. I admit that although I have some expertise on Ruth I think he has studied him more and is likely correct in this assessment.

[Bpm0014]

If we want to be accurate, a self-anointed expert at best.

I’ve helped numerous people (more than I can count) purchase Ruth autographs on here and other boards. I’ve never charged. Never asked for a thing. I answer every PM and help in any way I can. And thoroughly love helping people out and educated them and sharing everything I know. If you don’t want help or assistance it’s all good brother; I mean that. But some people aren’t that knowledgeable and need some help.

[Mark17]

This thread is why I don't understand collecting autographs. When several people with excellent knowledge cannot even agree whether something is authentic or a fake... how can people collect that stuff? "Here's my collection. I estimate 83% is genuine, the rest not. And I can only say for certain 54% are genuine. Of the rest, I can't say which are or are not."

It would give me an uncomfortable feeling, showing off my collection, to have to say, "Here's my Babe Ruth.... not sure if it's real though..."

I suppose some people think what I collect is weird too. It's good we have different niches to collect.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by BRoberts

If we want to be accurate, a self-anointed expert at best.

And who do you think PSA or JSA are?
They're "self-appointed "experts."
Only difference is most people think they are somehow different.

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

And who do you think PSA or JSA are?
They're "self-appointed "experts."
Only difference is most people think they are somehow different.

Those that think are the ones buying, they don't even care if THEY personally think it's correct or not. Only if a 3rd party does so they can sell . Sad state

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

Those that think are the ones buying, they don't even care if THEY personally think it's correct or not. Only if a 3rd party does so they can sell . Sad state

This is exactly on point. Start with a questionable autograph. If you can get an authenticator (by paying him/them) to declare it genuine, then it suddenly becomes genuine.