Lot # 26: Autographed 1927 Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig Barnstorming Christy Walsh Souvenir Presentation Photo SIGNED by Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig 4 Days After Sweeping the Pirates in the '27 World Series (Dated October 12, 1927) Measures Approx. 8” x 10” Full PSA/DNA

Category: Autographs

Starting Bid: $10,000.00

Bids: 31 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Sizzling Summer Rarities Auction 2019",
which ran from 7/24/2019 11:00 AM to
8/10/2019 7:00 PM




(LOT 26)
Extraordinary Autographed 1927 Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig Barnstorming Christy Walsh Souvenir Presentation Photo SIGNED by BOTH Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig 4 Days After Sweeping the Pirates in the 1927 World Series (Dated October 12, 1927) – Measures Approx. 8" x 10" - Full PSA/DNA & JSA LOAs

In 1927, the New York Yankees absolutely crushed their opposition, virtually "cake walking" to their second World Championship with a climatic 4 game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The dynamic duo of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig led this unparalleled squad, with their record setting assault on the fences eventually leading to the "Bambino's" unfathomable 60 home runs. These two slugging icons dominated our National Pastime for nearly a decade, striking an incomparable fear into the hearts of virtually every pitcher they faced, and it is an accepted notion that no two teammates could possibly match their coupled achievements. Virtually every American was now captivated by these incredible sluggers, which prompted Ruth and Gehrig's renowned agent Christy Walsh to organize a Continental U.S. tour directly after the 1927 World Series. Dubbed the "Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lou's Barnstorming tour, Ruth and Gehrig would play in towns/cities without Major League ball clubs in order to provide deprived fans a grand opportunity to see these legendary giants. Starting in New York and sweeping across America to the California coast, Ruth and Gehrig would be the sole Major League players, with each respective town providing local players to round out the teams.

Both young and old admirers of these baseball icons were afforded their "once in a lifetime" opportunity to see the two Yankee stars perform live, and the tour was such a huge success that it was repeated in the fall of 1928 after the Yankees claimed their second consecutive championship. Immediately after the Yankees completed their 4-game sweep of the Pirates in the 1927 Fall Classic on October 8, 1927, Christy Walsh issued a number of Souvenir Presentation photos depicting Ruth and Gehrig in their classic black "BUSTIN BABES" and white "LARRUPIN LOU'S" uniforms. The major intent of this iconic image would be to promote the upcoming Barnstorming Tour, with a number of these images eventually signed by either Ruth, Gehrig or both of these immortals. One of the most celebrated 1927 photos of these two baseball "gods", their imposing presence depicts them standing side by side, leaning on their period-style lumber with their powerful right hands. Facsimile signatures were included with the "Yours Truly" salutation preceding both players' majestic scripts. While it is safe to assume a number of these ultra-desirable photos were signed by Ruth and Gehrig, only fractions of the original number of autographed copies still exist.

Furthermore, a number of the still existing autographed images only include one of the two players scripts or include both signatures directly underneath their pre-printed facsimile signatures, leading to an aesthetically poor portrayal of two similar signatures (one facsimile; one real) affixed directly next to each other. That said, presented here is one of the most extraordinary signed 1927 Ruth/Gehrig souvenir barnstorming images, with both the Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig signatures affixed ABOVE their hallowed images, and not in the customary mundane position directly beneath their facsimile autographs. Furthermore and most significantly, this scripted marvel includes amazing provenance since it was presented to Ruth and Gehrig's close friend Joseph James Bihler (a reporter from the New York Herald) who was an immense admirer of these two future Cooperstown inductees. Both Ruth and Gehrig visited Joe Bihler's home only four days after the Yankees clinched the World Series, with the "Iron Horse" including an extremely pertinent personal note that reads as follows: "To Joseph James Bihler – Souvenir of our visit to your home – October 12, 1927 – Best Wishes, Lou Gehrig." Indeed, Gehrig's eloquent note scripted in black fountain pen tells the story of this infamous moment with the Bambino adding his exalted "Babe" Ruth autograph directly above his right shoulder.

No doubt, these two baseball legends paid Bihler a personal trip to his home before embarking on their Fall Barnstorming Tour, leaving their dear friend with a revered keepsake that has managed to survive the past 92 years! The highly coveted Lou Gehrig autograph presents itself in vivid "7" strength while the renowned "Babe" Ruth script reflecting his ultra-desirable 1927 "Babe in quotes" style depicts modest "6" strength. Most significantly, both black fountain pen signatures are clearly visible and serve as steadfast reminders of how the Yankees only four days earlier forever staked a claim as the greatest team ever via their almost anti-climatic sweep of the overmatched Pittsburgh club. No obtrusive flaws are evident on the critical obverse side with the "timeless" image revealing only a handful of negligible wrinkles/creases. The final stamp of approval is the verso that includes the following official Christy Walsh photo stamp: "OFFICIAL SOUVENIR PHOTO – Home Run Tour – BABE RUTH and LOU GEHRIG – CHRISTY WALSH MANAGEMENT".

For full discolsure, it should be noted that the photo is affixed to a black matte where by the afformentioned Christy Walsh credit stamp can still be seen. A truly remarkable offering, it separates itself from the handful of other existing signed Ruth and Gehrig examples via its irrefutable provenance placing both the "Sultan of Swat" and "Iron Horse" at Joseph Bihler's home only a few days after crushing the Pirates in the Fall Classic. Therefore, this miraculous offering proudly stands as one of the foremost autographed Ruth/Gehrig photos on the planet, with this "spine tingling" heirloom depicting both signatures for baseball's greatest all-time slugging duo during the height of their playing excellence! - Full PSA/DNA & JSA LOAs

MIN BID $10,000
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