1927 Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig Barnstorming Tour Photo - PSA/DNA Type 1

Sold For:

$1,320

Year:

1927

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

1878

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

What came first, the baseball or the egg? That seems to be the question asked by Ruth and Gehrig as they pose for this publicity photo taken during the famous 1927 “Bustin’ Babes and Larrupin’ Lou’s” barnstorming tour. Actually, the original black-and-white photo (8 x 10 inches) records the presentation of a special gift to Ruth during a tour stop in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 16th. Here, a local official presents Ruth with the 171st consecutive egg laid by Lady Norfolk—the “Babe Ruth” of hen layers—who had recently shattered a regional poultry record. Ruth's facial expression seems to indicate that he was less than impressed with the offering. While Ruth and Gehrig politely took part in all of these local ceremonies on the tour, the press had great fun in chronicling their day-to-day activities and the pair made front-page news everywhere they went. Two days later, in Sioux City, Iowa, Ruth was presented with a ham featuring his name spelled out in cloves. The next day the newspaper caption read, "So Now Babe Ruth Can Have Ham and Eggs." The photographer’s credit stamp “Dewell Commercial Photographer – 321 Arthur Bldg., Omaha” appears on the reverse. The photo displays exceptional clarity and is in Near Mint condition. Certified as an original Type 1 photograph by PSA/DNA. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).