(LOT 41)
1920 Babe Ruth Pathe Ferres Phonograph Co. – Arguably the Finest in the Hobby!
One of the rarest Babe Ruth cardboard artifacts is the 7" x 9-1/4" premium photo issued by the Pathe Ferres Phonograph Co. of Brooklyn, New York in 1920. Seldom surfacing within the hobby, this magnificent three quarter body shot of the "Bambino" adorning his 1920 first year Yankee pinstripes is one of Ruth's earliest issued New York Yankee cards. The photo's copyright is attributed to New York's "White Studio" while the reverse side provides an account of his home runs through September 13, 1920. This photo was issued as a premium for the Pathe Co.'s record disk that included Ruth himself narrating his own "Babe Ruth Home Run Story" on side 1, with the flipside including a period "Fox Trot" music selection. Notably, although SGC and the SCD Card Catalog have both categorized this card as a 1921 release, it is our strong opinion the card was issued during the late summer or fall of 1920.

Substantiating this notion is Ruth's reverse side home run monthly tallies, with September INCOMPLETE. Ruth hit 10 home runs in September 1920, ending the year at a record 54 round trippers. As you can see, the month of September does not include a final total and the 5 home runs Ruth walloped between September 14th and year-end. Certainly, had this premium been distributed in 1921, the 1920 tally would have been entirely complete. The significance of this truly being a 1920 distributed card is immense because it joins both the M101-6 Felix Mendelsohn and "Head-in Home" movie lobby cards as "Babe's" first Yankee cardboard issues (along with some "W" strip cards). That said, it is our distinct pleasure to offer the ultra-scarce Pathe Ferres premium card in what is easily the finest preserved copy extant, with this awe-inspiring keepsake portraying strong "EX/MT" - "NM" aesthetics! Any seldom seen cardboard issue of the majestic Babe Ruth immediately arouses enormous hobby interest.

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. Babe Ruth was above the game itself, and for that reason the most sophisticated collectors actively search for his rarest keepsakes. Unquestionably, this offering applies as one of Ruth's earliest and sparse relics, and what makes this cardboard remnant even more desirable is the absolutely breathtaking dark green and charcoal gray toned stoic image of the great "Bambino". The image emits the pristine like qualities as its original release date nearly a century ago, as a cap-less, thin and youthful looking Ruth depicts a pleasant "smirk".

Portrayed in his popular home Yankee pinstripes, the "Memorial" black arm-band affixed to the lower part of his left arm is due to the tragic death of popular Indians shortstop Ray Chapman, inadvertently struck in the head by submarine hurler Carl Mays on August 16, 1920. A black facsimile "Sincerely yours, Babe Ruth" signature is situated directly above the lower left border across Ruth's pinstripe pants, and the "White STUDIO, N.Y." scripted insignia is reflected in white ink directly to the left of Ruth's right leg, both portraying immaculate bold quality. Blinding white borders encompass the well-centered image, and an immaculate-like surface complete a brilliant obverse side. The verso has also avoided any obtrusive flaws, with Ruth's bold and vivid black & white 1920 monthly home run tally (including the opposing pitcher, men on base, and field location) virtually flawless.

Likewise, the "Pathe Ferres Phonograph Co. advertisement is nearly perfect, with the only technical flaw being a faint violet stamp from a previous owner that reads: "PAUL H. POHLMAN – BARRINGTON, ILL.". Aesthetically speaking, even the most meticulous enthusiasts would agree this breathtaking marvel reflects solid "EX/MT" to "NM" eye appeal, with the aforementioned verso stamp its sole technical blemish visible to the naked eye. Regardless, the combination of extreme rarity and breathtaking aesthetics far outdistance any negligible flaw, with the "right to own a magnificent copy" the prevalent issue. The old cliché "a picture is worth a thousand words" most definitely applies to this nebulous Babe Ruth premium. From an advanced enthusiast's perspective, it provides all of the necessary characteristics worthy for any world class collection: rarity, superior eye appeal, and most notably, one of the earliest Yankee pinstripe images of our National Pastime's supreme sports icon!

MIN BID $1,000
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