(LOT 332)
1922 Neilson's Chocolate V61 Type II Babe Ruth PSA 4.5 VG-EX+ - The SOLE & HIGHEST GRADED PSA Example!
This momentous PSA 4.5 VG-EX+ 1922 Neilson's Chocolate Babe Ruth offering boldly resides as the perfect testament to the Bambino's unparalleled standing in our National Pastime's glorious history. A true "POP 1" marvel, it unequivocally stands alone at the top of the charts as the finest of its kind! Even the prestigious SGC census report does not list a higher graded example, justifying the extreme condition sensitivity of the Neilson's Chocolate issue. The 1922 Neilson's Chocolate V61 set is closely related to the popular 1922 American Caramel E120 series due to its ornate gray hued designs that frame an oval player image. The "Type I" versions include a checklist number on the front side lower left and Old English typography advertisement on the reverse, versus Type II issues that exclude checklist numbers and exhibit a standard verso text (No "Old English"). The most distinguished, desirable and valuable subject for both issues is the immortal George Herman "Babe" Ruth, with his PSA 4.5 Type II scarcity presented here defying insurmountable odds in retaining many of its original factory-issued attributes. The stigma for most Neilson's Chocolate subjects is their damaged verso's that were affixed to the accompanying candy, resulting in some degree of paper loss on many examples.

Somehow...someway... this miraculous offering managed to elude the common flipside paper-loss that consistently plagues nearly all existing Neilson's Chocolate examples. This supreme offering has managed to survive the past century in stellar mid-grade condition, and while we typically Don't get excited about a "4.5" assessment, its "POP1" Highest Graded status clearly substantiates why any elite enthusiast will "chomp at the bit" to capture this truly once in a lifetime marvel. Justifying that notion are low-grade Neilson's Chocolate Ruth examples in the "1.5 Fair" – "2 Good" range now fetching $12K – $15K price tags, and we will defer to you, the sophisticated collector, to ultimately determine the true worth of this supreme offering. By 1922, the "Sultan of Swat" has established himself as baseball's pinnacle player with the home run king blasting 54 and 59 round-trippers in his first two 1920 & '21 Yankee seasons, respectively. Ruth was actually out-homering nearly every other MLB team, substantiating why he earned an unparalleled popularity, leading to various candy manufacturers including his iconic image on one of their cardboard subjects. Revolutionizing baseball with his mighty round-trippers and in lieu of the 1919 "Black-Sox" Scandal, most historians agree that Babe Ruth saved our National Pastime, with his on-field exploits and charismatic personality reigniting fans to once again feel good about storming ballpark gates.

Although Ruth would be suspended for the start of the 1922 campaign by commissioner Judge Landis for participating in a 1921 post-season barnstorming tour, he would still manage to clout 35 homers and post a sensational 1.106 OPS. The "Babe" was certainly here to stay, with his avid fan base storming local candy stores to try and capture one of his coveted baseball cards. Regarding the card itself, a classic Babe Ruth sepia-toned "holding ball" half-body bust graces the elaborate oval frame, depicting outstanding clarity and contrast. One look at this iconic "holding ball" pose turns back the clock to an era when the Bambino was turning the baseball world upside down via his mammoth tape measure dingers, literally transcending the viewer to a bygone era when the "Babe" was embarking on his incomparable career. Fine centering reveals only a modest partiality toward the right edge, with the captivating image situated between four relatively clean off-white borders. No glaring surface blemishes and/or unsightly creases are evident, with even corner wear and some faint candy remnants on the flipside preventing a higher assessment. Defying incredible odds is the verso's relatively clean surface that has somehow managed to elude the typically seen paper loss. The undisputed "best of the rest", this quintessential "POP 1" Ruth scarcity proudly stands alone at the top of the illustrious PSA "Pop Chart", synonymous with the "Babe's" pinnacle standing as baseball's greatest all-time player!

MIN BID $7,500
_