1939 Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig Original News Photo - "Lou Gehrig Day" - PSA/DNA Type 1

Sold For:

$2,666

Year:

1939

Auction:

2014 Spring

Lot #:

1170

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Original news photo of one of baseball's most iconic images: Babe Ruth hugging Lou Gehrig during the Lou Gehrig Day ceremonies at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939. Encapsulated and certified by PSA/DNA as an Acme Newspictures Type 1 original news-service photograph. While the scene presented here needs no verbal embellishment, the significance of this particular photo warrants clarification; specifically, the fact that both players are pictured nearly full body. Nearly all other known original photos capturing this moment are cropped and picture the pair up close, making this example of very special note. This is only the second "full body" shot of Ruth and Gehrig from Lou Gehrig Day that we have ever offered. An original news clipping of this photo, dated stamped "Jul 5 - 1939," appears on the reverse and covers what appears to be an Acme Newspictures stamping. The photo (7 x 9 inches) displays a number of minor flaws common to working press photos, including a small tear along the left border, a tiny area of surface paper loss at the base, and very light editorial marks in the borders. In Very Good condition overall. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000+. SOLD FOR $2,666