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Lot # 29: 1920 Babe Ruth, "His Earliest Known Photo Autographing for Fans" Rare Image

Starting Bid: $25.00

Bids: 26 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "July Collectors Auction 2021",
which ran from 7/6/2021 1:00 AM to
7/17/2021 8:00 PM



Babe Ruth signed a ton of autographs in his life, and there are many images of him signing his name for fans. Our research indicates, this is the first such image. Ruth is pictured in 1920, his first year with the Yankees. The International stamp on the back of the image was only used until 1920 which cements the date. Die cut for publication at a newspaper archive and mounted to paper for preservation, we can find no other images of Ruth signing autographs from his Red Sox days, and this is the only concretely dated 1920 example we have seen. An interesting and important piece of history, the image is clean and clear with obvious issues relating to the editorial trim and some creasing from handling over the years.

Size: 3.5x5.25
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 7/10

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