Signed 1931 W517 #4 Babe Ruth Throwing - PSA/DNA

Sold For:

$150,000

Year:

1931

Auction:

2022 Spring

Lot #:

840

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

1931 W517 #4 Babe Ruth signed by him in black fountain pen across his image. PSA/DNA has encapsulated the card and certified the signature as "Authentic." The combination of this particular image of Ruth, in a throwing pose, together with the near-flawless signature, makes this perhaps the most attractive Babe Ruth signed cards we have ever seen, let alone offered. This is one of Ruth’s most unusual cards. The W517 set is much appreciated by collectors for being so different in dimension and design from most other cards featuring Ruth's likeness. It is also from an unusual era, as W517 is one of the very few card sets issued after the popular strip-cards of the 1920s but just before the bubble-gum cards of the early 1930s. The popular W517 large-style strip-card issue (3 x 4 inches) was originally sold in vertical strips of three, which were intended to be hand-cut by youngsters. Because of their method of issue, cards from this set are often found in somewhat rough condition (miscut, creases, back damage, etc.). Examples of the W517 are plentiful in the hobby, but signed examples are exceedingly rare. This is the first signed example of this card we have ever handled and to the best of our knowledge the only example ever offered publicly. The card displays light corner wear, outstanding centering, and a horizontal crease extending across the top (more visible from the reverse). Of course, condition is secondary to the signature, which is the focal point of the piece, and it displays beautifully in that regard. A spectacular rare Ruth-signed card and one that would be a highlight in even the most advanced collections. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Reserve $5,000.