D&M Babe Ruth G41 and Box

[Mr. Mitt]

I was perusing some old glove literature on Jim’s site and ran across an article that I had never read before. It’s entitled “Another Ruth Legend”, written by Joe Phillips and it was published in the May 1997 edition of Beckett Vintage Sports. It’s a good read, predominantly about Ruth’s relationship with Draper Maynard. The third to last paragraph, however, blew me away. It mentioned a G41 with a box that had sold. I began collecting gloves in 1989 and never head of a G41 Ruth box existing, so the prospect of one being “out there” was exciting.

I immediately contacted Joe, but unfortunately too much time has passed and he doesn’t remember the specifics. My question to the community is… does a D&M G41 Ruth box exist?

Any information would be greatly appreciated, such as; was it a public auction (what auction house and when)? What did it sell for? Does anyone have an auction catalog showing a photo? Has it changed hands since? Do you know who owns it? And ultimately, do they want to sell to an extremely motivated buyer?!?!

[murphusa]

I have auction catalogs from back in 1989. But it would take some time go find it if it's there

I first looked at the Halper book and they had a Home Run Special glove and box, and also another box with a different image adv the same glove

[vintagebrett]

I bet the box does/did exist but I don't think it would be like the Home Run Special boxes - probably just a D&M box with the the model number stamped on it. I have a bunch of old auction catalogs - I'll try to go through some tonight if I have a chance.

Doesn't it make the hobby more exciting to find out that there may be an item you really want somewhere out there?

[BigD-Moonlight]

Mr. Mitt - don't remember seeing or hearing of one.

[Mr. Mitt]

Thanks for checking your catalogs, guys. No hurry at all.

I figured that if there were any whiffs of one existing, John, you’d be all over it already! Just something to keep in the back of your mind in case you ever stumble upon some info. And I agree with Brett that they were likely generic, red D&M boxes with G41 printed on them, perhaps the name Ruth too, but that would be a long-shot.

[murphusa]

went back to 1997 in some auction catalogs and haven't found a D-41 box yet, but I did find one lot for Bret

Mastro and Steinbach March 27, 1997 auction lot 221

5 mint in the box Sonnett Gloves
Tony Taylor
Frank Lary
Bill Tutle
Bob Allison
Steve Boros

final bid with premium $881.00

[vintagebrett]

Murph - thanks - I have that catalog plus some others that have Sonnetts and OKs that I occasionally look at to drool over. Unfortunately most of the Sonnett gloves in boxes so far have been the low end models.

[murphusa]

What I found interesting was seeing a lot of stuff that I had sold to people/dealers over the years that where then placed in auction. Looking at the times and figuring out why something went for what it did and comparing to today's prices

[murphusa]

Leland catalog from a 1999 auction show 3 glove advertisement posters from DM with gloves and boxes. A Frisch, Bancroft and Walter Johnson, G-40.

A the boxes are the same on the front with The Lucky Dog Kind Athletic Goods.