Auction Item Details
Lot 103
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 103
Description: Rare and important 1917 Babe Ruth early career autographed photograph. Sepia toned 6.5"x8.5" photograph shows young Babe Ruth as a member of the Boston Red Sox on the cusp of immortality. It has been signed on the back in pencil, "From Babe Ruth, To Sergt Hoffman, 1917" rating 8-8/9 out of 10. Well entrenched in the Red Sox pitching rotation by 1917, Ruth posted an impressive (24) wins which included (6) shutouts. In off season exhibition games later that year Manager Ed Barrow conceeded to his desire to play other field positions and the resulting increase in plate appearances allowed for The Babe to flourish as a hitter. The photograph itself has lightly toned and has scattered creasing and wear along with a largely faded/faint ink mark/impression on lower front corner. The large and bold signature remains uneffected by any of the above mentioned condition issues. Stamped by the noted Boston photography studio "R.W. Sears" within the lower front border and again on back within larger "International Film Service" stamping. Of all the Ruth related materials dating to this seminal time period with the Boston Red Sox it is worthy of note that dated autographed pieces are nearly non-existent. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, the offered photo represents the earliest signed Babe Ruth image to which we were able to document. The scarcity and significance of same simply cannot be overstated. Includes July 5, 1917 dated typed letter on Red Sox stationary in which Boston Mayor James Curley offers a glowing recommendation of drillmaster Sgt. Hoffman. The letter is addressed to Harry Frazee and typed, presumably, by the club on behalf of Mayor Curley to be presented to Hoffman. The lot also includes a pair of scrapbook pages with affixed newsprint images showing and/or related to Hoffman. Truly incredible Babe Ruth signed artifact with exceptional primary provenance being offered for the first time publicly. Includes full LOA from JSA: Signature: NM, Photo GD-VGEstimated Price Range: ($10,000-$30,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register