(LOT 70)
1938 Babe Ruth on a Float Original Type I Underwood & Underwood Photo - Measures Approx. 8" x 10" - PSA Type I LOA
In an effort to promote the legendary 1939/'40 World's Fair held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Queens (same site as the 1964/'65 World's Fair), the prior year would produce several large-scale parades utilizing oversized floats. Many New York based ballplayers (retired & present) from the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants would do their respective parts by participating in these parades and wearing commemorative patches on their sleeves throughout the 1938 season. One of those past icons would be the incomparable Babe Ruth whose world popularity virtually stood "second to none". On April 30, 1938, exactly one year before the World's Fair would commence, a massive motorcade of floats would parade thru New York City, with one of those floats sporting the immortal Bambino!

This extremely obscure original Type 1 image portrays the "Suntan of Swat" on his own personal float, donning his specially made World's Fair "New York" uniform. You can clearly see the special commemorative patch on his right sleeve, with "The Babe" holding a sign that reads: "The KING of SWAT – TODAY And TOMORROW". A young boy is standing directly behind the sign and seven ladies wearing their own specially designed World's Fair shirts/tops also grace the float. The central illustration is super clean, emanating amazing contrast and resolution, with the only major flaw being an area of stock loss near the upper right border and edge that does not impede the critical image.

The verso reveals the Underwood & Underwood credit stamp as well as the significant caption that reads as follows: "NEW YORK'S WORLD FAIR – On Saturday, April 30th, a motorcade previewing the World's Fair started at the Battery, toured up B'way, then turned east and then went out over the Queensboro Bridge to the Fairgrounds where it was viewed by Mayor LaGuardia and Grover Whelan. – PHOTO SHOWS: Babe Ruth's Float in parade. – May 3, 1938". An extremely, almost "unique-like" Ruthian image capturing "The Babe" at a moment in time when he was utilizing his unparalleled popularity to promote what would become one of the most iconic global events of the 20th century! - Full PSA Type I LOA

MIN BID $200
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