(LOT 17)
Scarce 1927 E126 Babe Ruth "Series of 60" SGC 2 Good
If you are seeking one of Babe Ruth's most obscure cardboard gems, then look no further because this seldom-surfacing 1927 American Caramel (E126) graded an SGC "Good 2" stands as one of his scarcest 1920s baseball card issues. Manufactured in 1927 by the American Caramel Co. in Lancaster, PA., its unquestionable rarity is substantiated by SGC's census report listing only 16 other specimens, with a mere two other specimens at this plateau and six graded higher! Even the most advanced collectors have struggled to assemble cards from this scarce set, let alone the card that represents baseball's greatest player ever. George Herman "Babe" Ruth is our National Pastime's ultimate icon, such that he stands "above the game itself". Boldly contributing to this card's mystique is its 1927 issue year, with the only other mainstream '27 Ruth card being his York Caramel. It is no secret that the 1927 season will forever stand as Ruth's greatest triumph, when the "Sultan of Swat" led the Yankees to their second world championship via his record-setting 60-homer campaign that literally turned the baseball world upside down.

Similar to his highly coveted 1922 E121 "Photo Montage" issue (also available in this auction), the E126 Ruth reveals a superimposed stoic portrait image and classic batting illustration. The awe-inspiring black & white image emanates brilliant crystal clear clarity and near-perfect contrast. Accounting for the technical assessment is a circular-shaped crease situated on his smaller batting pose (running thru Ruth's face and upper jersey) as well as modest corner wear. Atypical fine centering and the verso's relatively clean American Caramel Company advertisement are the final superlatives for this imposing keepsake. It comes as little surprise that Ruth's 1920 black & white issues are beginning to realize staggering pricing points, including a 1921 E121 Ruth fetching $338K in our previous auction. Indeed, it was only a matter of time before these eclectic issues gained the respect they truly deserved, especially considering their utmost scarcity vs. Ruth's popular 1933 Goudey subjects. With that in mind, we cannot imagine a more formidable Ruthian cardboard keepsake than this eclectic E126 offering that was issued during the most celebrated season of "The Babe's" illustrious career!

MIN BID $750
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