Circa 1930s Lou Gehrig Single-Signed Baseball - PSA/DNA - Rare Sweet Spot Signature!

Sold For:

Unsold

Year:

1927

Auction:

2018 Fall

Lot #:

1489

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Spalding "Babe Ruth Home Run Special" ball signed by Lou Gehrig across the sweet spot. Gehrig's signature has been scripted in black fountain pen and grades a solid "6." The "Babe Ruth Home Run Special" was produced throughout the 1930s, but this particular example most likely dates to the mid-to-late 1930s given the placement of Gehrig's signature. Gehrig, like most other Yankees players in the 1920s and early 1930s, normally signed his name on a side panel when autographing a ball (the sweet spot was always reserved for Babe Ruth). It was only after Ruth left the Yankees following the 1934 season that Gehrig's signature began appearing on the sweet spot of Yankee team balls. However, as nearly all collectors are aware, Gehrig single-signed balls, in any form, are exceedingly rare and far scarcer than Ruth singles. Those featuring a sweet-spot signature are rarer still, and are absent in even the most prominent collections. The ball displays only light toning and a few tiny surface blemishes, none of which detract in the least from its spectacular Excellent to Mint condition. This is an exceptional Gehrig single and one that would be a highlight in any advanced Hall of Fame or New York Yankees autographed baseball collection. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Opening Bid $20,000. Estimate (open).