Hubert H. Humphrey
38th Vice President of the United States · Politics - U.S. Government
Democratic Party / U.S. Senate
Era
1960s to 1970s
Item Type
Official league baseball
Condition
Good to Very Good condition. The baseball is clean with minimal spotting, though the signature exhibits some fading from age and light exposure.
Rarity
Moderately common. Humphrey signed a substantial amount of material during his long career in public service.
Overall Assessment
A neat, highly collectible piece of mid-century American political memorabilia featuring a classic signature from a major historical figure.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on signature flow and general structural characteristics matching known political exemplars from his later career.
Signature Style
Cursive script featuring a prominent looping 'H' initial and characteristic elongated trailing stroke for the surname.
Signature Characteristics
Smooth baseline, consistent loops in the 'H' characters, fluid motion with no sudden hesitation marks.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen ink, displaying moderate fading typical of mid-to-late 20th-century ballpoints exposed to light.
Item Description
A standard white leather baseball with red stitching, placed inside a decorative gold-colored miniature mitt display stand.
Estimated Value
$100 - $250
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard exemplars of Hubert H. Humphrey's political signature from his post-presidential campaign years.
Authentication Tips
Examine the fluidity of the loops in the initials and check for natural hand pressure variations rather than rigid stenciling.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Red Flags
Slight fading of the blue ink, but no signs of mechanical reproduction or unnatural tremor.
Provenance Notes
Origin unknown; requires direct family or estate documentation to establish clear chain of custody.
Historical Context
Hubert Humphrey was a pivotal figure in modern American liberalism, civil rights legislation, and the 1968 presidential election.
Market Trends
Stable market demand for political memorabilia, particularly involving 20th-century Vice Presidents and historical figures.
Investment Potential
Stable hold. Not a rapidly appreciating asset, but maintains solid historical value for political collections.
Similar Autographs
Signatures of other 1960s political figures such as Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and George McGovern.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight in a UV-protected acrylic display case to prevent further ink fading and leather degradation.
Interesting Facts
Humphrey was known as the 'Happy Warrior' and was famously prolific in signing correspondence and memorabilia for constituents.