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Home / Sports / 2006 October Signature Sports Memorabilia Auction Auction #705 / Lot #19142
    LOT #19142  | 
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    1948 Babe Ruth Signed Enormous Photograph. Though his body was infested by "termites," the term which Ruth used to refer to...

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    • Autographs:Photos, 1948 Babe Ruth Signed Enormous Photograph. Though his body was infested by "termites," the term which Ruth used to refer to...
    • Autographs:Photos, 1948 Babe Ruth Signed Enormous Photograph. Though his body was infested by "termites," the term which Ruth used to refer to...
    Autographs:Photos, 1948 Babe Ruth Signed Enormous Photograph. Though his body was infested by "termites," the term which Ruth used to refer to... Autographs:Photos, 1948 Babe Ruth Signed Enormous Photograph. Though his body was infested by "termites," the term which Ruth used to refer to... View More >
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    Description

    1948 Babe Ruth Signed Enormous Photograph. Though his body was infested by "termites," the term which Ruth used to refer to the cancer that ravaged his body, this gift to a close friend made just three and a half months before his death ensured that he would be remembered by all who saw it for the days of his greatness. This exceptional and extraordinarily large (17.5x21.5") photograph finds the Babe exiting the batter's box as he releases his mighty Hillerich and Bradsby from his grip, his eyes trailing the flight of a baseball almost certainly headed beyond the outfield wall. Against the pale background of infield clay, the Babe applied a 9/10 black fountain pen inscription, which reads, "To a Lovely couple and dear friends Din and Joe Brown, From Babe Ruth, 5-1-48." A fascinating handwritten letter of provenance from Brown explains that he spent a month with the Babe in his capacity as a sports publicist for the film "The Babe Ruth Story." The two became close friends during this time, and Brown would later attend the retirement ceremony of Ruth's number "3" at Yankee Stadium, and the Babe's funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Brown also notes that he went on to serve for over twenty years as the general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This piece remained his prized possession however, and he closes his letter with the sentiment, "Babe Ruth will always be in my mind the greatest player in Baseball's long history. I was honored by his friendship." The photograph itself remains in splendid condition, with a few minor wrinkles in the dark upper left corner visible only at certain angles to the light. Otherwise, it presents as NRMT. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.

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    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    October, 2006
    28th Saturday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 1,710

    Buyer's Premium per Lot:
    19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $9) per lot.

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