Circa 1934 Babe Ruth Signed Photograph

Snapshot photo of Babe Ruth in Japan, signed by Ruth in black fountain pen (grading "8") along the left border. The photo pictures Ruth seated alone while being transported in a rickshaw. This photo was discovered in a family album that features hundreds of photos of the family's trip to Japan. While no year is listed, it is most likely 1934. That was the year that Ruth, along with Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, and a number of other top players made a celebrated postseason barnstorming tour of Japan. Ruth was the star of the tour and the Japanese people treated him like royalty during his visit. Obviously, the family that owned this album was not only able to snap a picture of Ruth during his stay, but also lucky enough to have him sign it at a later date. Interestingly, it is the only baseball-related photo in the album, and the only photo to feature a celebrity. All of the remaining photos picture family members during their extended stay in Japan. The photo (4.75 x 3.25 inches), which is affixed onto an album page with three other photos, displays a number of light creases and a rough top border. In Very Good condition overall. The leather-bound album (15.25 x 11.25 inches) is heavily worn and most of the interior pages are loose. In Very Good condition overall. Full LOA from Steve Grade and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication Services. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.

Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000/$2,000+.

Fall 2018 - Item detail

Circa 1934 Babe Ruth Signed Photograph