(LOT 661)
1922 Babe Ruth & Yankee Teammates Original Type I Photo – Underwood & Underwood – Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-3/8" – PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
This 1922 photo portrays Babe Ruth and his Yankee teammates in a leisurely moment before a New Orleans March Spring Training game, listening to their "Hurdy-Gurdy" organ grinder instrument. Measuring approximately 6-1/2" x 8", the Underwood & Underwood News Service image reflects brilliant resolution and fine contrast, as the group of Yankees including Ruth don various style home and road uniforms. The 'Bambino" is wearing his "New York" away jersey, as he sets his left foot (knee bent) on the "Hurdy-gurdy" period instrument. A favorite of French Kings, this stringed musical device dates back to medieval times and produces sound by a hand cranked-turned rosined wheel rubbing against the strings.

Some stray wrinkles are the only diminutive flaws, having no negative impact on the brilliant central image aesthetics. Its final exclamation points are the verso's renowned Underwood & Underwood credit stamp and a detailed caption that reads: "BABE RUTH AND THE BOYS LISTEN TO THE "HURDY GIRDY" (GURDY) – AT THE YANKS TRAINING CAMP AT NEW ORLEANS. Photo shows – Babe Ruth (with foot on shaft of organ) with a group of the Yanks at the training camp at New Orleans, listening to a "Hurdy Girdy (Gurdy)" concert while waiting to start a practice game. The Bambino seems to be enjoying himself while getting ready to break a few more records next season. – 3/14/22". Ironically, while Ruth would post another formidable season that included 35 round trippers and a stellar .315 batting average that led the Yankees to another Fall Classic appearance, he would not eclipse the previous season's record-breaking 59-homer mark until his iconic 1927 campaign.

MIN BID $500
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