(LOT 32)
1922 W575-2 Babe Ruth "Autograph on Shoulder" PSA 2 (MK) Good
SCARCE EARLY '20S BABE!!! One of the scarcest and most intriguing of all early 1920s "W" cards is the highly coveted 1922 W575-2 set, which includes 40 baseball subjects. Measuring 2-1/8" x 3-3/8", these cards were distributed by the Detroit, Michigan based Kromo Gravue Photo Co., with the facsimile autographs affixed near the player's shoulders, prompting the set to be dubbed "Autograph on Shoulder" series. What makes these blank-backed cards extra special are their super eclectic images, virtually unique to the W575-2 subjects. Of course, the most prominent and valuable player is the incomparable George Herman Ruth, presented here in a PSA 2 (MK) holder. We can truly say the captivating W575-2 Babe Ruth batting pose is the only time we have ever seen this electrifying Bambino image, whether on another card or photo.

It stands as one of the Babe's most extraordinary illustrations as he completes his mighty swing at the hallowed Polo Grounds. The "Babe Ruth – LF Yanks" facsimile signature is affixed directly beneath Ruth's right shoulder, running across his classic Yankees pinstriped flannels. The image depicts fine contrast and resolution, with the 2 assessment due to rounded corners and stray creases, none of which compromise the fine central image aesthetics. As a final note, the MK qualifier is due to a lightly scribbled name in pencil on the verso, along with a blue ink "W-575" notation. Issued the year after Ruth eclipsed his own single-season homer record by clouting 59 round-trippers in 1922, it turns back the clock to an era when the immortal Sultan of Swat was revolutionizing baseball with his prodigious long balls!

MIN BID $2,500
_