This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
The creme de la creme of all autographed baseballs would be one clearly signed by the two greatest Yankee legends of all. We are proud to offer this rare treasure, a nicely aged ball signed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The exact date of the red and black-stitched ball is unknown, but any dual signatures of these two giants recreate memories of the 1927 season, which was the zenith for this murderous twosome, with Ruth smashing his then-unheard-of 60 homers along with a .356 average and 164 RBIs, and Gehrig hitting .373 with 47 homers and 175 RBIs. The Wilson Official League W150 Hickey ball is stamped "Guaranteed for 36 innings." Ruth signed on the sweet spot in blue fountain pen and the signature has aged with grace, with the Babe's distinctive flourishes on the "B" and "R" still robust and vivid. Though there is some slight fading of the "uth," the ink flow is strong on "Babe" and the signature would have to rate at least a 6. The Iron Horse signed his name high on a side panel under the "Wilson" stamp and the signature, also in blue fountain pen, is eminently readable, with large circles on the "L" and "G." While there is some fading here as well across the last name, the "Lou" is strong and the signature rates a near 7. There are some scattered areas of dirt on the ball but given the historic nature of this particular horsehide, one can only describe it as a shining piece of American royalty. The ball comes with a PSA letter of authenticity.