(LOT 158)
1933/'34 Babe Ruth R309 Goudey Premium (SGC Fair 1.5)
In 1933, the renowned Goudey Gum Company released its landmark 240 subject issue that resides as the hobby's foremost pre-WWII gum set. In a promotional effort, a redemption process was initiated whereby a number of Goudey wrappers could be mailed in to the Boston, Mass. office in return for an oversized thick cardboard stock Goudey premium. Of the four possible premium cards, three were released in 1933 including American and National League All-Star team photos and a sole portrayal of the immortal George Herman "Babe" Ruth. In 1934, an additional subject was offered, a team photo of the World Champion 1933 New York Giants.

Extremely condition sensitive and measuring approximately 5-1/2" x 8-13/16", each card features a black & white image framed by an ornate gold border. While the verso originally revealed a cardboard pull-out stand to display these keepsakes, many of the remaining specimens exclude the stand that has been typically removed from the card. Seldom surfacing, the most desirable/valuable of the four nebulous premiums is Babe Ruth, offered here in a super eye pleasing SGC 1.5 holder. The fascinating aspect associated with this majestic offering is the substantial size of this "Ruthian" like image that is an enlarged version of three of his 1933 Goudey subjects. The black & white illustration just happens to be the iconic Charles Conlon issued illustration that easily resides as Ruth's most renowned batting image.

The "Sultan of Swat" stands above the game itself, and it is apropos that this "giant" like cardboard heirloom represents baseball's gargantuan immortal. Ruth's classic Goudey batting pose is captivating to say the least as the Babe completes his mighty swing. Somewhat square corners, strong gold borders and crystal-clear clarity are the positive qualities of this seldom seen offering that excludes any glaring surface flaws. As an added attribute and atypical for any Ruth R309 specimen, the verso still retains the full easel which is typically torn off. Accounting for the grade is some negligible/diminutive paper loss on the easel back, with the overall obverse side presentation absolutely superb for one of the "Sultan of Swat's" more obscure 1930's type issues!

MIN BID $500
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