Lot # 181: c.1927 Babe Ruth “Portrait” PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Underwood- Stratton Photo – Measures Approx. 8” x 10”

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 21 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Winter Rarities '23 Auction",
which ran from 12/10/2022 12:00 PM to
1/7/2023 7:00 PM




(LOT 181)
c.1927 Babe Ruth "Portrait" PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Underwood- Stratton Photo – Measures Approx. 8" x 10"

We have handled many Babe Ruth Type 1 photos over the past several years, providing the collecting community with a vast array of treasured illustrations depicting the Sultan of Swat during his magical Yankee seasons. That said, presented here just happens to be one of the most awe-inspiring original images of the exalted Bambino, a classic head-shot taken by the renowned Underwood - Stratton News Service during the iconic 1927 campaign. Indeed, one look at this truly captivating image sends a chill through one's spine, for it reflects a breathtaking stoic pose of baseball's greatest all-time player.

Staring at this timeless masterpiece conjures up memories of that remarkable 1927 season when the Yankees claimed a stranglehold on first place on opening day and held that position throughout their entire 154 game schedule. That would be the year the Sultan of Swat would clout an extraordinary 60 round-trippers, eclipsing his own 59 mark and forever staking claim to baseball immortality. You can feel Ruth's intensity, as he gazes into an unknown future that would ultimately result in the colossal slugger recording 714 lifetime homers, a record that stood for nearly 40 years until Henry Aaron surpassed his mark in 1974. Measuring approximately 8" x 10", this black & white marvel also includes several eerie shadows cast across his eyes as well as around the right side of his face and chin, a fascinating feature that can easily lure anyone into a virtual trance.

Other than a faint vertical print line running from the upper to lower edge (to the left of Ruth's right eye) and some negligible wrinkles barely visible to the naked eye, no notable flaws are evident. The final exclamation point is the critical Underwood – Stratton News Service credit stamp (a division of Underwood & Underwood). To reiterate, while there are a myriad of Ruth photos circulating within the hobby, we cannot imagine a more compelling image than this mesmerizing masterpiece that truly captures the Babe's majestic persona with a simple portrait pose!

MIN BID $500
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