Lot # 71: 1921 Photo - Babe Ruth Meets Belgium General Baron Jacques – Type 1 Original Underwood & Underwood Photo – Measures Approx. 6” x 7” – PSA Type 1 LOA

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $400.00

Bids: 4 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring Fever Auction 2018",
which ran from 4/28/2018 12:00 PM to
5/19/2018 7:00 PM




(LOT 71)
1921 Photo - Babe Ruth Meets Belgium General Baron Jacques – Type 1 Original Underwood & Underwood Photo – Measures Approx. 6" x 7" – PSA Type 1 LOA

The sale of Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees on January 3, 1920 sent shockwaves through the baseball community. Boston's eccentric owner Harry Frazee's ultimate obsession with his theatrical production "No, No, Nanette" required the need for additional funding, effectively initiating the legendary "Curse of the Bambino"! Ruth's arrival to New York elevated his "star stature" to a seemingly infinite level, with even Hollywood Moguls now pursuing the "Sultan of Swat" for potential movie roles in an effort to capitalize on his unparalleled popularity. Ruth's first opportunity didn't take long, for he was immediately cast in a lead role for the popular "Headin' Home" silent movie that depicted a fictionalized account of Ruth's life.

The "Sultan of Swat" was now the "talk of the town", and he was continuously cast by many Vaudeville directors in the off-season to perform on stage in an effort to augment ticket sales. This extremely rare PSA Type 1 original photo just happens to depict the Babe meeting famous Belgium General Baron Jacques at New York's Palace Theatre on November 18, 1921. General Jacques had been a hero throughout WWI, repelling several Germany attacks while leading both the 12th Regiment and 3rd Belgium Army. The war now behind him, he just happened to be in New York to attend the funeral of an undisclosed soldier, and considering Ruth's global stature, could not pass on an opportunity to attend the Palace Theatre Vaudeville show and meet the legendary "Babe".

Measuring approximately 6" x 7", the crystal-clear image portrays the stoic looking Bambino showing off his colossal-sized lumber, with the highly decorated General Baron Jacques standing in-between two unknown soldiers. Only two extremely diminutive horizontal white streaks (barely noticeable to the naked eye), run through the center area of the photo, none of which impede the outstanding eye appeal of this timeless Underwood & Underwood masterpiece. Fine perimeter edging, near-perfect contrast and a verso that includes the critical caption detailing the day's events are the final compliments to an exceptionally obscure 1921 memento portraying "The Babe" when he ruled the baseball world! - Full PSA Type I LOA

MIN BID $400
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