Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXV
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
2/12/2010
Every so often a memorabilia artifact surfaces that virtually defies logic and solidifies the time and effort elite enthusiasts take in building their magnificent collections. With that in mind, presented here is an absolutely breathtaking circa 1920’s “real photo” postcard of the incomparable George Herman “Babe” Ruth, the first and only one we have ever come across! The overall mystique of this legendary giant still remains unprecedented; not only in America but worldwide, for it was Babe’s lifetime achievements both on and off a baseball diamond that will echo for eternity! Graded an SGC 10/1 (due to notations made on the card) this un-cataloged and unique real photo postcard of the “Bambino” was taken with three of his friends at the world renowned Coney Island amusement park, and is currently the only recorded copy on the planet!
Any rare collectible of the iconic Ruth merits one’s utmost attention, let alone an offering that qualifies as the only one of its kind! Babe Ruth stands above the game itself, and his immortal existence will forever capture the hearts and souls of every avid baseball fan across the globe. That is why a myriad of sophisticated collectors scramble to seize his most prized and valuable remnants, and this incredible postcard just may stand at the top of the heap as the most intricate and desirable Ruth cardboard collectible in existence. Imagine, Babe Ruth wearing his formal attire and famous straw hat as he poses with several friends in a cowboy style horse cart! It is a Ruth portrait that unquestionably defines his charismatic “off the field” legacy, especially his outgoing “bold and brash” personality. The “Babe’s” image contrast and clarity is virtually pristine, depicting a sepia-toned brilliance unsurpassed by any other real photo postcard in circulation. Along the wide left border, a fountain pen notation has been made that reads as follows: “We sure had a great time this night at Coney Island, N.Y.” Also noted is Babe Ruth’s name with an arrow pointing towards Ruth along the top border as well as a strong crease below the cart’s small wheel that permeates to the reverse side. Otherwise, most of the other technical aspects are consistent with a mid-grade example including no major surface flaws, strong VG-EX/EX corners, straight edging, and a clean reverse side. That said, dues to the ultra rarity of this magnificent “Ruthian” postcard and its unequivocal eye appeal, we don’t expect the technical grade to cause advanced collectors to shy away.
The old cliché “a picture is worth a thousand words” most definitely applies to this Babe Ruth postcard. From an enthusiast’s perspective, it provides all of the necessary characteristics worthy for any world class collection including scarcity (a true “1 of 1”), desirable mid-grade aesthetics, and most notably, the image of baseball’s greatest player ever in what may be one of his few unique keepsakes in existence. We hope that you are as excited as us when this card was first presented for consignment, for NO offering could possibly transcend time more effectively back to Ruth’s roaring 1920’s as effectively as this 90+ year old postcard. Although our Nation stood right on the heels of a depression, every so often the “Sultan of Swat” via one might clout could lend a hand in reducing some of the hardships realized by millions of American families. Bottom line is every elite collector actively pursues Babe Ruth’s earliest relics for he was undoubtedly our National Pastime’s supreme icon, and NONE could be scarcer than his extraordinary masterpiece that merits a final resting place in Cooperstown, New York!
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click thumbnail for larger image.