Babe Ruths Original Red Sox Contract
ynnek
Posts: 5 ✭✭
I am not a collector but in some papers from my grandfathers estate I found a copy of Babe Ruths original contract with the Red Sox. As I research this online I can find that there is some copy of it on glass that a collector tried to sell in 2005 and that the original supposedly does not exists. How do I go about authenticating it? What do you think it might be worth? I would appreciate your help.
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<< <i>I am not a collector but in some papers from my grandfathers estate I found a copy of Babe Ruths original contract with the Red Sox. As I research this online I can find that there is some copy of it on glass that a collector tried to sell in 2005 and that the original supposedly does not exists. How do I go about authenticating it? What do you think it might be worth? I would appreciate your help. >>
Well, you authenticate it by sending it to me! LOL HAHAHAHA. Is this for real? Do you have a scan of can post here? You should call PSA, Mastronet or somebody like that, they will definetly be of help to you. Lets see a scan
<< <i>I dont have a scanner. I called PSA and they said to make a copy and send it to them in the mail. There is no way I would make a copy and send it to anyone! I would bring it to them to examine but no copies! >>
How about pics with a digital camera? - you can't possibly harm it that way. I don't blame you for not making a copy - lots of scammers out there who might try to rip you off and tell you it's fake when it's real. Be careful, VERY careful out there and good luck! I'd estimate the value right now at possibly over 5 million dollars easily. Congratulations on the find.
<< <i>How many original Red Sox contracts are there for Ruth? He played for them for about 6 years, not counting any minor league play. So would there be about a handful from each year (like one for Ruth, the commissioner's office, the Red Sox, attorney's, etc)? Was your grandfather a lawyer or know anyone from the Red Sox team (just trying to see where he might've come up with such a historic document way back when)? You should take a digital picture in good lighting (without the flash-so you won't adversly effect the document). >>
Are you serious? LOL. You know what? He should tell us what is saying and how does it look? I know he can probably see the reprint copy of it and take it from there but maybe he won't be able to even find the copy for some reason LOL. Ok, what does it say? How many lines long? Whats all the logos on the paper or anything at all? Describe anything and everything HAHAHAHA.
<< <i>Original poster, if this is what you think it is, make a copy of the document...write "COPY" several times on the copy...copy that copy...and send the copied copy to PSA lol... >>
LOL, don't worry he'll be back in two months saying that he has my "ORIGNAL" Decleration of Independence! HAHAHAHAHA. He's looking at this thred right now thinking what he should say next LOL. If you have it, more power to you lol. I hope you get 20 million dollars for it! But if you do have it then please show everybody so you can make me eat my words HAHAHA LOL. Like I say it would be a great story but I really don't think you have it, sorry
<< <i>All I am looking for is a reputable place to authenticate it. I am not going to post a scan of a one of a kind item. I am not asking anyone here to believe or not believe what I have. Once I have it authenticated - if it is real I plan to sell it to someone who would appreciate it. If it is a fake (which I doubt) I will use it to start a fire in my fireplace. I am simply looking for some direction. Thanks. >>
LOL, please don't don't use it to start a fire, I will deinetly take it for you if you don't want it. I'm pritty sure its a fake(lol), do you want my address so you can send it? I wouldn't even want a copy to get burned
<< <i>All I am looking for is a reputable place to authenticate it. I am not going to post a scan of a one of a kind item. I am not asking anyone here to believe or not believe what I have. Once I have it authenticated - if it is real I plan to sell it to someone who would appreciate it. If it is a fake (which I doubt) I will use it to start a fire in my fireplace. I am simply looking for some direction. Thanks. >>
Do what you want, but sharing a picture would in no way harm this document's title of a "one of kind item." Nor could anyone profit off of a picture.
scan the damn thing, take a picture, its ridiculous that you wont provide visuals.
<< <i>i smell something fishy....
scan the damn thing, take a picture, its ridiculous that you wont provide visuals. >>
Do you think he's waiting for an offer to sell to somebody on this board? By the way, Congrats on your 4000th post! WOW lol, its gona be a long time till I get that
<< <i>All I am looking for is a reputable place to authenticate it. I am not going to post a scan of a one of a kind item. I am not asking anyone here to believe or not believe what I have. Once I have it authenticated - if it is real I plan to sell it to someone who would appreciate it. If it is a fake (which I doubt) I will use it to start a fire in my fireplace. I am simply looking for some direction. Thanks. >>
I know two guys with a Honus Wagner card you could ask about authenticating it.
They will use anyone except experts at Major Sports Auction houses and PSA or SGC....
What year is on the contract?
The most interesting of contracts is the one sending Ruth to NY in 1919. It sold in June 2005 for almost 1 million bucks. It was purchased by Pete Siegel of "Gotta Have it Collectibles" of NY.
There's a guy on ebay selling copies of the transfer contract of the Babe.
It's not easy to see the contract - I guess they don't want anyone selling a scan of it?
Heritage auctions sold an addendum to the Babe's 1922 contract which limited his carousing for 68K.
quote: 1922 Babe Ruth Signed Contract Addendum Limiting His Drinking, Late Nights. "I'll promise to go easier on drinking"
I remember the 1935 contract with the Boston Braves was up for sale - but never saw how much.
So I guess contracts will sell from a million down?
mike
It does seem odd that you won't post even a picture of the contract on the site for us to see. Making a copy at Kinko's won't hurt the contract in the slightest but whatever. Here's some information I hope that will help you out. If the contract in genuine, congratulations, as you are probably at least $100,000 richer.
At least you can give us some more information on the contract. What year is the contract for? How many signatures are on the contract and who are they? How many ink colors are on the contract or is it black and white (the print on the contract itself)? How did Ruth sign the contract - George? George H? George Herman? GH? If he signed his full name George Herman Ruth, it would be most highly desirable.
As for authentication, if you were to make a copy and send it to PSA, JSA, or Richard Simon - and they thought it was real - I have no doubt they would be happy to come to you to authenticate it (and worth whatever they charge you given the value if authentic). You can make a copy and send the copy to any of the reputable firms.
Where are you located? I can point you to someone near you. If you are on the East Coast there are dealers in NY, NJ, PA, and MD that can authenticate for you.
As mentioned in the other post, there are fake copies of the 1930 Ruth contract and others in circulation, these are not worth much of anything.
And I can sure understand not wanting to place that thing in the mail and see it "lost" in the system.
But, scanning the end of the contract with Ruth sig and date won't hurt anyone.
Inquiring minds and all...
Please, a copy of the sig line would be cool!
mike
CHAPTER 13 - The Babe Ruth Autograph
If you really want some attention and profit, there is no better name than Babe Ruth. Collectors have been scrambling to obtain Babe Ruth autographs for years, and the more rare the signature, the better the price. So what's a poor scammer to do when he does NOT have an original Babe Ruth autograph? The answer lies with the concept of a Babe Ruth signed contract. Original versions of Ruth contracts can go for many hundreds of thousands of dollars, and, as is quite obvious, there aren't that many of them around since he only played for a limited number of years. To this end, the average collector is quite ignorant about these contracts, as many have never seen them. This represents quite an opportunity to make some money for you, and if you can combine Babe Ruth and a convincing story, you may be on the road to riches!
Here is a step-by-step plan to get yourself some Babe money!
1. Print a copy of Babe Ruth contract. You will find several examples in the CD provided with this book. The copies provided were chosen as to be somewhat obscure so as not to draw too much attention.
2. Conjure up some story involving it and your grandfather. Saying you found the contract in an attic or in an old chest is very good, as nobody can dispute such a provenance.
3. Go on prominent collectible forums and weave your tale to the best of your ability. Do not present the contract as "for sale", as that will draw suspicion. Instead, present yourself as a non-collector who is simply interested in learning more about the value. What this will do is attract folks who will try to "steal" it from you via a behind-the-scenes offer. When an offer comes in, act as ignorant as possible, and even play hard to get. Accept no more than one-thousand dollars. Our readers have earned an average of ten-thousand dollars per, however, so don't be afraid to play tough.
4. You WILL get naysayers, and those who ask for scans. DO NOT provide them. You job is to present yourself as a naive non-collector, and whipping out a scan is the quickest way to "out" yourself. Instead, claim not to have a scanner and that you are too afraid of damaging it, anyway.
5. You will ALSO get people to tell you to send it to be authenticated. Once again, plead ignorance, and claim that you do not trust others with your precious document.
6. Remember, it is your job at ALL TIMES to remain as aloof as possible. Ignore the naysayers. You WILL get at least one behind-the-scenes offer, possibly several. Play them as best as you can, and if none of the offers seem interesting, do not hesitate to find another forum. Eventually you will find a sucker.
<< <i>Come on guys, you mean NOBODY read chapter 13 of "SCAMMING FOR DUMMIES..."?
CHAPTER 13 - The Babe Ruth Autograph
If you really want some attention and profit, there is no better name than Babe Ruth. Collectors have been scrambling to obtain Babe Ruth autographs for years, and the more rare the signature, the better the price. So what's a poor scammer to do when he does NOT have an original Babe Ruth autograph? The answer lies with the concept of a Babe Ruth signed contract. Original versions of Ruth contracts can go for many hundreds of thousands of dollars, and, as is quite obvious, there aren't that many of them around since he only played for a limited number of years. To this end, the average collector is quite ignorant about these contracts, as many have never seen them. This represents quite an opportunity to make some money for you, and if you can combine Babe Ruth and a convincing story, you may be on the road to riches!
Here is a step-by-step plan to get yourself some Babe money!
1. Print a copy of Babe Ruth contract. You will find several examples in the CD provided with this book. The copies provided were chosen as to be somewhat obscure so as not to draw too much attention.
2. Conjure up some story involving it and your grandfather. Saying you found the contract in an attic or in an old chest is very good, as nobody can dispute such a provenance.
3. Go on prominent collectible forums and weave your tale to the best of your ability. Do not present the contract as "for sale", as that will draw suspicion. Instead, present yourself as a non-collector who is simply interested in learning more about the value. What this will do is attract folks who will try to "steal" it from you via a behind-the-scenes offer. When an offer comes in, act as ignorant as possible, and even play hard to get. Accept no more than one-thousand dollars. Our readers have earned an average of ten-thousand dollars per, however, so don't be afraid to play tough.
4. You WILL get naysayers, and those who ask for scans. DO NOT provide them. You job is to present yourself as a naive non-collector, and whipping out a scan is the quickest way to "out" yourself. Instead, claim not to have a scanner and that you are too afraid of damaging it, anyway.
5. You will ALSO get people to tell you to send it to be authenticated. Once again, plead ignorance, and claim that you do not trust others with your precious document.
6. Remember, it is your job at ALL TIMES to remain as aloof as possible. Ignore the naysayers. You WILL get at least one behind-the-scenes offer, possibly several. Play them as best as you can, and if none of the offers seem interesting, do not hesitate to find another forum. Eventually you will find a sucker. >>
Now ya tell me...I just PayPaled him $10,000
Seriously though - Good Post!
<< <i>It is not his transfer contract. It is signed on 1-6-1916 It has an approved stamp dated March 22, 1916 Page 1 is with The American League of Profesional Baseball clubs and George H. Ruth. Page 2 Regular American League players contract articles of agreement between Boston American League Baseball Club with George H. Ruth of Baltimore Maryland The season of 1916 and 1917 Begining on or about the 15th day of April ending on or about 15th day of October 1917. It is signed Geo H. Ruth Jr >>
Kenny,
Please understand, I hope for your sake, and the sake of collectibles in general, this is the real deal, but we've gotten very similar stories on this board before..."Ruth contract found in Grandpa's roll top desk..." and without something to look at, people are obviously going to be skeptical. Especially if you're looking for offers on this thing. No one on this board would even think about dealing with you without authentication and images. You say that you are after have the seal of approval from a reputable authenticator, if so, you're going to have to make copies of this thing and send them out. No one is going to come to you without some understanding of what you have. The people on this board, even if they are being a smart a**es, are genuinely enthused by this hobby, and are genuinely interested in what you have if you truly believe it to be what you think it is.
...just kidding. If this is legit, congrats.
You have the advice you need. Now get the ball rolling !!!!
Also you surely have a digital camera, if not ALL of your neighbors do. You could write on paper with your email etc to cover part of the contract to deter "image theft" or watermark it and post it here.
Just dont sell it to Topps. It would get cut up and inserted into cards. LOL
<< <i>Hopefully you're not related to the person who had the 1930 contract a few months back! Let's see a pic! >>
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This is one of the largest sports memorabilia auction houses located in Illinois:
Mastronet
Jack Smalling - I don't know if this guy is still in the business but he's one of the oldest baseball autograph collectors around, located in Iowa.
Jack Smalling
Robert Edward Auctions (New Jersey) probably the best auction house for high-end material
Robert Edward Auctions
Lesser known but the guy knows his stuff and has been collecting for longer than some of these authenticators have been alive.
Richard Simon Sports
Also Mark Jordan at Heritage Auctions is another trustworthy old timer
Heritage Auctions
calling B.S.