Circa 1930s Babe Ruth Single-Signed Baseball - JSA - Direct Draper & Maynard Co. Provenance

Sold For:

$14,400

Year:

1935

Auction:

2023 Spring

Lot #:

2577

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

D&M "New Official League" baseball signed by Babe Ruth, who has scripted his name in blue fountain pen across the sweet spot. This ball most likely dates to the early 1930s manufacturing period. This ball (along with the additional nine lots in this auction) originates directly from our consignor's grandfather, who was an executive at the Draper & Maynard Company. The Draper & Maynard Sporting Goods Company, located in Plymouth, New Hampshire, was founded in 1881 and was one of the first companies to manufacture baseball gloves. Soon after, the company expanded its baseball line and became a major supplier to both amateur and professional clubs throughout the country. During the 1920s the company boasted that over ninety percent of Major League players used its gloves. D&M's close proximity to Boston also resulted in frequent visits to the factory by Red Sox players, including Ruth. The company remained in business until 1937, when P. Goldsmith Sons Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, purchased the rights to produce sporting goods under the D&M name. The ball is moderately toned and has a number of minor abrasions, as well as a few additional surface marks. In Very Good condition overall. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. Opening Bid $2,000.