(LOT 167)
Magnificent Lou Gehrig Signed 1927 Ruth/Gehrig Barnstorming Christy Walsh Souvenir Presentation Photo – PSA/DNA Authentic & Encapsulated – Measures Approx. 8" x 10"
In 1927, the New York Yankees absolutely crushed their opposition, virtually "cake walking" to their second World Championship with a climatic 4 game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The dynamic duo of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig led this unparalleled squad, with their record setting assault on the fences eventually leading to the "Bambino's" unfathomable 60 home runs. These two slugging icons dominated our National Pastime for nearly a decade, striking an incomparable fear into the hearts of virtually every pitcher they faced, and it is an accepted notion that no two teammates could possibly match their coupled achievements. Virtually every American was now captivated by these incredible sluggers, which prompted Ruth and Gehrig's renowned agent Christy Walsh to organize a Continental U.S. tour directly after the 1927 World Series. Dubbed the "Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lou's Barnstorming tour, Ruth and Gehrig would play in towns/cities deprived of MLB teams in order to provide their baseball-starved fans a grand opportunity to see these legendary giants.

Starting in New York and sweeping across America to the California coast, Ruth and Gehrig would be the sole MLB players, with each respective town providing local players to round out the teams. Both young and old admirers of these baseball icons were afforded their "once in a lifetime" opportunity to see the two Yankee stars perform live, and the tour was such a huge success that it was repeated in the fall of 1928 after the Yankees claimed their second consecutive championship. Immediately after the Yankees completed their 4-game sweep of the Pirates in the 1927 Fall Classic on October 8, 1927, Christy Walsh issued a number of Souvenir Presentation photos depicting Ruth and Gehrig in their classic black "BUSTIN BABES" and white "LARRUPIN LOU'S" uniforms. The major intent of this iconic image would be to promote the upcoming Barnstorming Tour, with a number of these photos eventually signed by either Ruth, Gehrig or both of these immortals. One of the most celebrated 1927 photos of these two baseball "gods", their imposing presence depicts them standing side by side, leaning on their period-style lumber with their powerful right hands.

Facsimile signatures were included with the "Yours Truly" salutation preceding both players' majestic scripts. While it is safe to assume a number of these ultra-desirable photos were signed by Ruth and Gehrig, only fractions of the original number of autographed copies still exist. With that in mind, offered here is one of those 1927 Barnstorming photos signed by none other than the incomparable "Iron Horse", with Gehrig providing the following full salutation: "To Paul – With Kindest Regards – Cordially, Lou Gehrig". Presenting itself in "6/7" strength, Lou's eloquent note scripted in fountain pen resides as another classic example of how this benevolent hero would try and accommodate virtually all of his adoring fan base and friends, with this world-class marvel defying "father-time" for the past 94 years. Gehrig's scripted notation is clearly visible and serves as a steadfast reminder of how the 1927 Yankees forever staked a claim as the greatest team ever via their almost anti-climactic sweep of the overmatched Pittsburgh club.

Other than a few faint soiling spots situated in the upper region, no obtrusive blemishes are evident on the critical obverse side, with the "timeless" central image miraculously retaining a majority of its original brilliant aesthetics. The final exclamation point is the verso that includes a "CHRISTY WALSH MANAGEMENT" credit stamp, substantiating this image was one of the souvenir photos issued by Walsh. One of the most highly desirable scripted Gehrig mementos extant, it was signed during the height of his playing excellence and serves as a steadfast reminder of how "Larrupin Lou" teamed up with the "Sultan of Swat" to form the most potent "one-two" batting punch in MLB history. Of course, some 12 years after the mighty 1927 Yankees dismantled their opposition, the "Iron Horse" would ultimately need to step down due to the tragic ALS disease that eventually claimed his life on June 2, 1941 at the tender age of 37. As we all know, Gehrig's legacy will surely outlast eternity, primarily due to his "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939 that will forever stand as our National Pastime's Gettysburg Address!

MIN BID $2,500
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