1940 Babe Ruth Signed Check - $502 Worth of Liquor! - PSA/DNA

Sold For:

$5,280

Year:

1940

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

1917

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Personal check, dated May 3, 1940, signed by Babe Ruth. PSA/DNA has encapsulated the check and certified the signature as "Authentic." The check, drawn on the Chemical Bank & Trust Company of New York, is made out to "The Park Circle Liquor Shop" in the amount of $502.80. Signed "G. H. Ruth" in black fountain pen (grading "7") along the base. Ruth's preprinted name appears vertically on the left border. Endorsed by the recipient on the reverse. This is one of the most interesting Ruth checks we have ever handled based upon the amount and to whom it is made out. Ruth's propensity for drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages is well documented, so it is no surprise that he would run up a large bill at the local liquor store, but the dollar value here seems outlandish even for Ruth. Either that, or it was one heck of party he hosted. While $520.80 might not seem like lot of money to many people, in today's economy that amount would be equal to $9,200! Needless to say, having Ruth as a regular customer most assuredly kept the The Park Circle Liquor Shop in the black for many years. Babe Ruth personal checks have long been a favorite of autograph collectors due to their inherent authenticity and the fact that Ruth’s signature is always well executed. Many years ago several hundred Ruth checks originating from the family appeared on the market all at once. These have long since been absorbed, and now Ruth checks are increasingly difficult to find. The check (8.25 x 3 inches), which has normal bank cancellation stamps and holes, displays a vertical fold that touches upon the "G" in Ruth's signature; otherwise it is in Excellent to Mint condition. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open).