Historic 1943 "War Bond Jubilee" Game Signed Ball (10 Signatures) Including Ruth, Wagner, Collins, Speaker and Bresnahan

• Sold For: $8,487
• Year: 1943
• Auction: 2018 November
• Lot #: 52
• Auction Category: Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Over the past dozen years, a handful of 1943 "War Bond Jubilee" balls have been auctioned for between $10,000 and $30,000 depending on condition and whether the Walter Johnson signature is authentic. According to JSA, most Johnson sigs relating to the 1943 war-bond effort are secretarial—as is the one here. Of all the baseball charity games in history, this one stands above the rest for three reasons. First, the sheer star power from 7 of the then 12 living Hall of Fame members, plus luminaries like Irving Berlin, Cab Calloway, James Cagney, Ethel Merman and Milton Berle. Second, the astronomical success of raising $800 million (equivalent to $11 billion today!) in bonds. Third, Babe Ruth famously belting his final home run in a major-league ball park—off none other than the Big Train himself. There are 10 signatures on the shellacked, lightly crazed, medium-toned "Official Pro League" ball. Sweet Spot: Ruth ("7") North Panel: Speaker ("7"), Sisler ("7"), Bresnahan ("7") South Panel: Wagner ("8-9"), Duffy Lewis ("6-7") West Panel: W. Johnson (sec.) East Panel: Frisch ("7-8"), Red Murray, Collins ("7") Full LOA from JSA.