At the peak of his career in 1931, the Babe inscribes a Burke photo to a Broadway producer 1398. Babe Ruth. Vintage matte-finish 8 x 11 photo of Ruth posing in his Yankees road uniform, believed to be the work of noted Chicago photographer George Burke, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my pal Charles B. Dillingham from Babe Ruth, Sept. 1, 1931.” Photo is mounted to an identical size cardboard backing. In very good condition, with a few scattered light surface marks and creases, a few thin mild stains, light contrast to signature, and moderate silvering to darker areas of image and background. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA, as well as a letter of authenticity from James Spence. Ruth’s Yankees dropped a double header to the Red Sox on the date he signed this photo. A fine image of baseball’s most iconic figure. Dillingham, a Broadway producer, was indeed one of Ruth’s pals. As owner of of the Hippodrome Theatre in New York City, Dillingham often presented shows starring talents of the 1920s, Ruth being among the celebrities who graced his stage. During the Great Depression, the now-bankrupt Dillingham was supported financially and morally by friends, including Ruth. RR Auction COA.…(MB $500)
Choice playing-days signature from the ‘Babe’ 1399. Babe Ruth. Superlative vintage ink signature, “‘Babe’ Ruth,” on an off-white 5.5 x 6.5 lined sheet. In fine condition. Signature dates to before 1928, as he ceased using quotation marks for his first name around that time. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $500)
228 | July 17, 2013 | SPORTS