1939-1943 Babe Ruth Signed Sepia Hall of Fame Postcard (PSA/DNA) - Extraordinary Rarity!

Sold For:

$44,062

Year:

1939

Auction:

2008 Spring

Lot #:

917

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Presented here is one of the legendary rarities in the hobby: a sepia Hall of Fame postcard signed by Babe Ruth. This is the first autographed sepia Ruth Hall of Fame postcard we have ever offered. In fact, this may be the first we have ever seen. Issued only between the years 1939 and 1943, the sepia Hall of Fame postcards were the very first Hall of Fame plaque postcard set issued. They differ from the more familiar black-and-white issue of a few years in many ways, including higher-quality stock, color of print, and the design of both the front and back (which looks very different and includes extra text on the reverse). The fronts also feature a much larger margin to accommodate autographs. Ruth has taken full advantage of that extra space here, inscribing the card "Sincerely Babe Ruth" in black fountain pen (grading "8"). Because of their extremely limited four-year distribution, the cards themselves are quite rare: signed examples are rarer still. Ruth, of course, is the most desirable of all possible signed sepia Hall of Fame postcards. Unfortunately, few Ruth signed examples are known. It has always been one of the "holy grails" for Hall of Fame autograph collectors. The offered example is incredible. It has been a highlight in one of the most advanced Ruth collections we have ever had the privilege of offering and which is presented in its entirety in this auction. Even Barry Halper was never able to locate an authentic signed sepia Hall of Fame postcard of Ruth, and in his collecting career he was able to find just about everything associated with Ruth. Sepia Hal of Fame postcards were issued in two types. The first, which is designated "Type-1," was issued just prior to the opening of the Hall of Fame in 1939, while "Type-2" cards were issued shortly after the dedication. The only difference in the two cards is a slightly different wording to the text on the reverse. The offered Ruth signed card is "Type-2" and has been encapsulated by PSA/DNA. Neither the card nor the signature has been graded, but the signature is labeled "Authentic." The card displays a small amount of paper residue in the corners of the reverse from having once been mounted in a scrapbook album as a keepsake (almost certainly removable if desired, but we believe it would be totally unnecessary), otherwise in Excellent to Mint condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $2,000. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $44,062.50