Circa 1920s Babe Ruth Original Paul Thompson Photograph PSA/DNA Type I

Sold For:

$43,200

Year:

1920

Auction:

2020 Fall

Lot #:

2234

Category:

Original Photography

Original photo of Babe Ruth as a member of the New York Yankees, circa early 1920s, taken by noted baseball photographer Paul Thompson. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I Paul Thompson photograph by PSA/DNA. This spectacular image captures Ruth at bat during a game just as he begins his swing. It should be noted that this is the first in Thompson's three-series photo study of Ruth at the plate, which resulted in a home run. (All three photos in the series appear in this auction; the second shot captures Ruth just after he makes contact with the ball, while the third pictures Ruth as he rounds first base.) Thompson's credit stamp appears on the reverse (partially covered by subsequent copyright label by "Trampus" (a Parisian news service), along with his handwritten pencil inscription "#1 Start of his home run swing." This photo of Ruth was used as the cover for notebook during the same time period, but originals are scarce. This is the first such example we have ever offered and it is easily one of the finest Ruth photos we have ever seen. The photo (6.5 x 8.5 inches) remains in Excellent to Mint condition. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open).