(LOT 26)
Extremely Rare 1934 Al Demaree R304 Die-Cut - Babe Ruth (PSA 4) - "1 of 2; Highest Graded Babe Ruth on ANY Population Report!
Presented here just happens to be one of Babe Ruth's rarest type card issues, a near-impossible to locate 1934 Al Demaree Die-Cut residing in a stellar PSA 4 holder. One of only 6 PSA encapsulated copies, along with a single other example it currently stands as the finest specimen on the planet! One of the rarest sets distributed in the 1930's are the Al Demaree Die-Cuts distributed by the Dietz Gum Company Chicago based confectioner. These extremely nebulous cardboard artifacts were issued in packages of "Ball Players In Action Chewing Gum", measuring approximately 6-1/2" long by 1-5/8" wide. While nearly 120 subject variations are known to exist, the highest checklist number 167 indicates that, minimally, close to 50 players have not been documented.

Following the renowned 1933 Goudey and DeLong sets as one of the inaugural gum card manufacturers, like its brethren gum type card issues, the most prestigious and valuable player in the set just happens to be George Herman "Babe" Ruth. The hobby is well aware of some of Ruth's rarest cards including his iconic 1914 Baltimore News issue of which there are only 10 documented specimens. Interestingly enough, the current "pop" status of the COMBINED PSA and SGC census reports only lists 8 R304 Al Demaree Ruth copies (6 PSA and 2 SGC), with this extremely rare issue even scarcer than the inaugural 1914 Baltimore News Ruth Any period card of the immortal Babe Ruth is worthy of elite status, let alone one that is one of the few examples in circulation. Even more impressive is that this "world class" die-cut offering is one of the "Bambino's" final baseball cards issued during his playing days.

Inexplicably, Ruth was omitted from the major 1934 Goudey and Diamond Star sets, making a handful of final appearances on 1935 cardboard issues such as the 1935 Goudey R321 "Four on One", "Four on One" Exhibits, and the also eclectic Shutter-Johnson R332's. In fact, since the 1934 "Four on One" Exhibits included three other players, this obscure Al Demaree marvel is Babe Ruth's only "SOLE" appearance on any major 1934 card type (excluding premiums). Rarely does any Al Demaree surface in the hobby, let alone the specimen carrying Babe Ruth's sanctified image. Babe Ruth status as baseball's premier icon prompts historians to place him "above the game itself", and ironically, this magnificent HIGHEST GRADED offering is synonymous with Ruth's elite player stature! His majestic round trippers, incredible pitching prowess as a Boston Red Sox, and overall persona have created an unparalleled mystique at the mere mention of his legendary name. For centuries to follow, Ruth will always be linked to a "godly" status with both his on and off the field achievements echoing for eternity.

A grandeur batting image of the "Sultan of Swat" graces the obverse side with Ruth completing his mighty swing. As is the case with all the R304 die-cuts, his real facial image has been situated within a line drawing with his classic Yankees cap, sleeves and stockings all presented via bold mid-night blue hues. The edging is completely intact with the imposing "AL DEMAREE", "RUTH RF YANKEES" black text bold and vivid. The checklist number "4" matches the blue tints portrayed on Ruth's aforementioned clothing areas, and the fold over bottom portion includes clear print registration for smaller texted "GEORGE HERMAN (BABE) RUTH" and "BALTIMORE, MD." captions. Accounting for the "VG/EX" assessment is a faint horizontal wrinkle directly beneath "RUTH RF YANKEES" with no obtrusive surface flaws evident.

The final compliment is a relatively clean off-white blank back for a card that stands as the one of the Bambino's most eclectic keepsakes. As esteemed enthusiasts surely realize, when a significantly scarce Ruth cardboard artifact surfaces for the taking with magnificent mid-grade aesthetics and number one "pop" status, no pricing boundaries are applicable. Therefore, we will let you, the sophisticated collector, ultimately decide what this remarkable Al Demaree Babe Ruth marvel is truly worth!

MIN BID $2,500
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