(LOT 153)
1920s Underwood & Underwood Exhibit-UNC Babe Ruth SGC 1 PR – One of Only 2 Known Examples (Both SGC-Graded)
EXTREMELY RARE BABE!!! One of the rarest of all Babe Ruth cards is this extremely elusive SGC 1 PR 1920s Underwood & Underwood Exhibit, which is one of only two known examples (both of which are residing in SGC holders). Obscure to say the least, it pictures the mighty Bambino taking batting practice in his classic Yankee pinstripes, with an awe-inspiring grandstand backdrop providing the final touch. While its distribution is shrouded in mystery, what we do know with 100% certainty is that the renowned Underwood & Underwood New York based News Service issued this eclectic offering with their critical insignia affixed near the lower left edge. Vintage collectors will surely recognize this resounding Ruth batting image as the exact same illustration utilized on his popular 1926 W511 strip card, offered in several colors.

Although the SGC label clearly states "1920s", many hobby experts truly believe this Ruth scarcity was issued in the 1926 era, with the other SGC 1.5 examples label actually stating "c.1926." It was the 1926 campaign that the incomparable Babe would lead the Yankees to the AL pennant as well as pacing the Junior Circuit in almost every major offensive category, with his remarkable batting feats including 47 dingers, 153 runs batted in, 139 runs scored, a 1.253 OPS and .372 batting average! True, Murderers' Row and company would ultimately lose a tightly contested seven-game Fall Classic to St. Louis, but Ruth would continue posting an unfathomable run of batting feats that would lead the Yankees to two successive world championships the next two seasons. The card itself boasts solid VG aesthetics, with the POOR assessment only due to a previous owner writing the Yankees 1926 starting lineup and pitching staff on the blank verso.

Interestingly enough, the scripted back includes a "LINEUP 1926" notation, further justifying the assumed 1926 distribution date. Most significantly, the spine-tingling Sultan of Swat black and white batting pose is virtually unscathed, revealing vivid resolution and outstanding contrast as the Babe completes his majestic batting practice swing. Measuring approximately 3-1/4" x 5-2/3", we find it interesting that Ruth is actually choking up on the bat, for it is common knowledge that his right hand would always grip the colossal lumber at the bat's knob, sometimes even wrapping his pinky finger beneath the knob. Near-perfect centering is one of the major highlights, with even corner wear, standard border toning, edge wear, and four notable creases (two near the upper corners, one affixed to the lower left border, and a more prominent horizontal wrinkle running from the left edge through Ruth's upper pantaloons) the noteworthy obverse side blemishes.

The two critical captions situated near the lower border include the previously mentioned "U&U N.Y." copyright as well as a text box reading: "BABE RUTH OUTFIELDER NEW YORK .AM.L" To reiterate, aside from the aforementioned scripted flipside, this compelling marvel proudly reflects strong visual appeal, issued at a time when the unparalleled Babe Ruth was revolutionizing baseball while establishing himself as our National Pastime's undisputed greatest all-time player. His miraculous batting feats and flamboyant personality combined to place him as one of America's most popular personalities in our country's riveting 248-year history. It should be noted that this exact same example sold for $35K less than a year ago in a public auction, with the other known SGC specimen last offered some nine years ago in 2015. We cannot imagine a more formidable collectable than one of Ruth's rarest cardboard keepsakes, residing as one of only two documented examples on the planet, truly worthy of the highest hobby accolades!

MIN BID $7,500
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