Heritage Auctions

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Ruth's barnstorming baseball cap, 1933 card and a Shoeless Joe Jackson's rookie take top honors

DALLAS, TX - Babe Ruth showed that he is still the most compelling figure in baseball history, and that items that can be linked to him remain the most sought-after collectibles in the hobby. When two lots of Ruth memorabilia - his 1927 barnstorming cap and a 1933 Goudey #149 baseball card - brought almost $250,000 combined at Heritage Auction Galleries' Sports Collectibles Signature Auction, Oct. 17-18, his status as "The Sultan of Swat" was once again affirmed, if it was ever in doubt.

A total of 970 bidders competed for 1,070 lots in the auction, with 324 submitting successful bids for an overall total of $2,866,371. With ongoing after-auction sales, the total could still push even higher.

"Hobbyists had been wondering if the problems on Wall Street would spill over into the collectibles market," said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Collectibles Auctions for Heritage Auction Galleries (HSC). "I think these results illustrate that Heritage can still achieve excellent prices, even in uncertain economic times. The Babe's 1927 barnstorming cap realized a remarkable $131,450, while an SGC 92 example of his 1933 Goudey #149 card soared like a called shot to left field at $89,625."

Tremendous rarity characterized much of the trading card offerings within the auction, and collectors showed their appreciation with spirited bidding upon many lots that can easily be considered "once in a lifetime."

"The collection of 1920s Holland Creameries cards represented one of the fiercest bidding battles of the sale," noted Ivy, who pointed out that even poor condition couldn't stop the ultimate price from approaching $30,000. The card generally considered to be Shoeless Joe Jackson's rookie likewise drew strong interest, achieving a winning bid of $26,290, while a Wilson's Franks complete set also far exceeded pre-auction estimates with a realized price of $28,441.

"The Jeff Hull Boxing Card Collection definitely did not disappoint, either," said Ivy, referring to the first of three offerings of scarce early cardboard from the fight ring. "I'm sure that the excitement for this rare material will only continue to grow for our next installment in the spring."

Highlights included a 1910 E125 American Caramel Jim Jeffries at $19,120 and an 1886 N167 Old Judge Jem Smith Horizontal Reverse at $8,963.

Fireworks were in ample supply throughout the memorabilia portion of the auction, with collectors engaged in fierce bidding wars throughout.

"Joe Collins' 1953 New York Yankees Championship ring rocketed past the $30,000 mark," noted Ivy, "and Gabby Street's 1931 Cardinals Championship ring climbed well past $20,000."

Other highlights of the sale included:

• 1910 World Series Program (Philadelphia).
  PRICE REALIZED: $17,925.
  "Heritage had already posted a record auction result for the Chicago version of the 1910 Series program," said Ivy, "and now we have one for the Philly version as well."
• 1920s Hilldale Daisies Negro League Scrapbook with 100+ Ticket Stubs.
  PRICE REALIZED: $17,925.
  "One of the most exciting Negro League finds to reach the auction block in recent years, and the bidding did not disappoint," Ivy explained.
• 1972-73 Nate Archibald Game Worn Jersey.
  PRICE REALIZED: $19,120.
  "His nickname may be 'Tiny,' but the price for his jersey definitely wasn't," Ivy joked. "This result broke our own auction record for an Archibald gamer."
• 1921 New York Giants Team Signed Baseball.
  PRICE REALIZED: $15,535.
  "Heritage's reputation for achieving top prices for autographed baseballs continues to grow," said Ivy.
• 1992 Brett Favre First Game-Winning Touchdown Football, 2nd Career Touchdown Reception.
  PRICE REALIZED: $9,560.
  "Another fresh offering to our valued Heritage bidding clientele, who responded accordingly," said Ivy.
• Circa 2004 Tiger Woods Tournament Worn & Signed Cap.
  PRICE REALIZED: $9,560.
  "The hottest figure in the sport of golf asserted his dominance in the collectibles world as well," Ivy explained.

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit our Permanent Auction Archives at www.HA.com.

HSC specializes in rare and collectible sports cards, as well as uniforms, equipment, and related vintage sports memorabilia. Consignments for future Signature Sports Auctions are currently being accepted. Prospective consignors or sellers of quality vintage sports cards and sports memorabilia are encouraged to contact:

Chris Ivy at 800-872-6467 Ext. 1319 or email: Civy@HA.com
Mike Gutierrez at 800-872-6467 Ext. 1183 or email: MikeG@HA.com
Lee Iskowitz at 800-872-6467 Ext. 1601 or email: LeeI@HA.com
Mark Jordan at 800-872-6467 Ext. 1187 or email: MarkJ@HA.com
Jonathan Scheier at 800-872-6467 Ext. 1314 or email: JonathanS@HA.com
Stephen Carlisle at 800-872-6467 Ext. 1292 or email: StephenC@HA.com
Peter Calderon at 800-872-6467 Ext. 1789 or email: PeterC@HA.com

To order the next Heritage Sports Collectibles Signature catalog, contact Christina Stephens, or write c/o Heritage Sports Collectibles, 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor, Dallas, TX 75219.

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