(LOT 237)
1927 W560 Babe Ruth Joker Hand-Cut PSA 9 MINT – "POP 3"; Only 2 PSA Examples Graded Higher!

MINT BAMBINO!!!... One of the more eclectic 1920s issues is the 64-card W560 set distributed in 1927 on uncut 16-card sheets. Measuring approximately 1-3/4" x 2-3/4", the blank-back subjects appear in the form of playing cards, reflecting 49 different ballplayers with a centered suit including spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds, as well as a selected face value (e.g., Ace, King, Queen, etc.). Some of the set's most momentous players include Babe Ruth (Joker), Lou Gehrig (3 of Clubs), Walter Johnson (2 of Spades), and Jimmie Foxx (Joker), with the incomparable Babe Ruth Joker card presented here in a breathtaking PSA 9 MINT holder. One of only three PSA 9s, it has been bested by a paltry two examples, with its extremely high Pop stature synonymous with Ruth's undisputed standing as our National Pastimes finest all-time player. Issued during the legendary 1927 campaign when the Bambino turned the baseball world upside down via his record setting 60 home runs, it joins the E126 American Caramel and E210 York Caramel issues as the only three conventional sized cards distributed during that immortal season.

Ruth's classic portrait image is enclosed in an imposing circle, with the rich orange hues highlighting this extremely eclectic marvel. No surface blemishes are evident on either side, and batting line drawings (representing a JOKER) are evident both above and beneath the Babe's hallowed pose. Interestingly enough, the "GEORGE BABE RUTH" caption joins his 1932 U.S. Caramel subject as one of the few cardboard issues revealing Ruth's seldom seen first name (George), with this caption followed by "New York Yankees". A blistering sharp hand-cut perimeter, near-immaculate surfaces and the absence of any notable flaws are the final compliments for this 1927 Ruthian masterpiece issued during the year when the Sultan of Swat would be the main driver for a World Championship team arguably considered the greatest of them all!

MIN BID $1,500
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