(LOT 34)
Outstanding 1928 Babe Ruth Autographed First & Special/Limited Edition of "Babe Ruth's Own Book of Baseball" – Full PSA/DNA LOA
One of the most popular and highly coveted signed Babe Ruth books is his seldom surfacing 1928 "Babe Ruth Own Book of baseball" Hardcover First Edition scripted example, presented here with an absolutely spectacular "Sultan of Swat" autograph! Including a Full PSA/DNA LOA for ironclad authenticity, the inside page is boldly scripted "Babe Ruth" in classic period black fountain pen, with then signature presenting itself in approximate "NM-MT 8/Mint 9" strength. Furthermore, it is clearly obvious that this book was signed during the 1928 season since Babe's iconic signature depicts the classic "Babe in Quotes" pre-1929 style. Beneath the hallowed autograph is the critical caption that reads: "This is Number 275 of 1,000 copies of Babe Ruth's Own Book of baseball autographed by the author". Obviously, only a handful of these "First/Limited Edition" signed books have remained in circulation, and of those few remaining signed issues, we have never encountered such a bold and large Ruth script.

In light of Ruth's unparalleled popularity from his earth-shattering 1927 60-home run season, his name was on the "tip of everyone's tongue", with a captivated Nation relentlessly pursuing any artifacts from this baseball "giant". We could not imagine a better time to "jump aboard" the Babe Ruth bandwagon that certainly explains why the renowned G.P. Putnam's Sons publishing company approached the Bambino to tell his story in this historic 1928 book. Arguably his most desirable book, this First Edition includes a thick blue hard cover with the "BABE RUTH'S OWN BOOK OF BASEBALL – GEORGE HERMAN RUTH" text eloquently embossed in a FINE gold hue. Included near the lower right edge are two crossed bats and four baseballs, with the endpapers featuring an imposing panoramic image of Yankee Stadium and its revered façade. An additional 31 classic photos of the Bambino are included in this magnificent 297-page periodical, with every page completely intact.

Unlike many of the remaining tattered copies, this offering has miraculously survived in excellent condition, with its only noticeable flaw being an approximate 1.25" horizontal tear near the spine's top edge. More significant, however, is that the vertical spine is intact, with all of the pages tightly fastened as originally issued some 91 years ago. For full disclosure, the original dust jacket (virtually never seen with any of these by-gone books) has been replaced by an outstanding aesthetically pleasing re-printed copy. One of the hobby's most sought after signed Babe Ruth artifacts, it rekindles fond memories of how our National Pastime's greatest all-time player led the historic Murder's Row team to two consecutive World Championships via his unfathomable batting prowess that will forever "echo for eternity!" – Full PSA/DNA LOA

MIN BID $2,000
_