by Mr. Mitt » August 3rd, 2011, 7:31 pm
I’ve wanted this glove for about 20 years... remember it form the newsletter as well as old polaroids Bill Diebold once showed me. Since first learning about it, I’ve owned two other Thomas E. Wilson 605 Ruths (a grommet-web that’s now in JD’s collection and another one-inch web that is nice, but not as nice as the illusive eBay example). As far as I gather, and I’ve discussed the 605 Ruth with many collectors over the years, only three have surfaced. It was produced for only two years, 1924 and 1925, perhaps resulting in today’s scarcity.
With regards to the 1992 newsletter reference to Ron Carlson believing that D&M manufactured the glove for Wilson, I disagree. Though the 605 and G41 are similar, they are not the same. I’ve compared several examples side by side and there are distinct differences; in form, size, materials as well as construction. My theory is that Wilson, trying to capitalize on Ruth’s monumental 1923 season, introduced the endorsed 605 in 1924. Ruth used D&M gloves and began endorsing the G41 in 1921. It’s my assertion that D&M pressured Wilson to cease production of the 605, perhaps citing exclusivity. Just speculation on my part, but possible given that the 605 only lasted two years while the G41’s production run ran from 1921 to 1927.
As far as the possibility of the silver being touched up, it immediately crossed my mind when the listing hit eBay. I reached out to several collectors for their trusted opinions and not a one thought there was any restoration. I seemed to be the harshest critic. Won’t know for certain until a closer examination is made on the glove. That said, if it was touched up, it was done over 20 years ago as the old photos match-up to how it looks today. Wouldn’t that make it a vintage restoration and more palatable for collectors! In any event, it’s a wonderful example of the rarest Ruth glove made, I’m glad it came out of exile.