A recent Christie’s and Hunt Auctions event proved to be a treasure trove for baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike. Headlining the sale were a rare 1938 Babe Ruth Brooklyn Dodgers uniform and a significant 1968 Hank Aaron jersey. The auction, which also featured the Geddy Lee Collection, saw an impressive total of over $6.8 million in sales.
The star of the show was the 1938 Babe Ruth Brooklyn Dodgers road uniform, which fetched a staggering $882,000. This unique piece of baseball history attracted spirited bidding and ultimately set a new benchmark for the value of Babe Ruth memorabilia. The significance of Ruth’s association with the Dodgers franchise, although brief, adds to the allure and rarity of this uniform.
Another notable item that commanded significant attention was the 1968 Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves home jersey. This jersey holds special significance, as it was worn by Aaron when he hit his 500th career home run. The remarkable achievement of reaching this milestone made the jersey an incredibly sought-after item, leading to its final sale price of $567,000.
In addition to these iconic pieces, the auction featured a diverse array of other notable items from the world of baseball memorabilia. One standout was a single-signed baseball by President Herbert Hoover, part of the Geddy Lee Collection. With an initial estimate of $25,000, the baseball soared past expectations, selling for an impressive $214,200. This result not only speaks to the historical significance of having a baseball signed by a US president but also attests to the desirability of items from significant private collections.
Another gem from the Geddy Lee Collection was a Mickey Mantle-signed baseball. What made this item particularly intriguing was Mantle’s inscription on the ball, paying homage to Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson’s exceptional skills at third base. The unique nature of this inscription attracted considerable interest, leading to a final sale price of $30,240.
One of the most remarkable and visually captivating items up for auction was a photograph from the Gladstone Collection. This photo captured Civil War soldiers gathered together, showcasing their baseball equipment. With an initial estimate of $10,000, the photograph far exceeded expectations, selling for an impressive $113,400. The historical significance of this image, highlighting the intersection of baseball and a defining period in American history, adds to its desirability and elevated its value in the eyes of collectors.
David Hunt, President of Hunt Auctions, expressed his utmost honor in representing these extraordinary collections. The auction results not only highlighted the robust market for historic baseball memorabilia but also emphasized the increased value placed on items from significant private collections. The enthusiasm and competitive bidding witnessed during the auction further solidify the enduring appeal and demand for these rare and noteworthy pieces of baseball history.
In conclusion, the recent Christie’s and Hunt Auctions event proved to be a bonanza for baseball collectors, with a rare 1938 Babe Ruth Dodgers uniform and a significant 1968 Hank Aaron jersey stealing the show. The auction, which also showcased items from the Geddy Lee Collection and the Gladstone Collection, garnered over $6.8 million in total sales. The high prices achieved for these items underscored the continued fascination and value placed on historic baseball memorabilia, especially those with unique associations or significance.
