Possibly Unique 1933 R319 Goudey Gum #53 Babe Ruth Blue Back (Ex-Charlie Conlon Collection)

Sold For:

$31,200

Year:

1933

Auction:

2023 Fall

Lot #:

1079

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

Extremely rare, unusual and, likely, unique 1933 Goudey blue ink printed back variation card of #53 Babe Ruth. Goudeys normally have green print on their reverses, but the print on the reverse of this example is distinctly blue. This card is additionally noteworthy as it originates from the famous Charlie Conlon collection, which REA had the privilege of offering at auction in 2009 and 2010. This is only the second example of a Goudey with blue ink printing on the reverse that we have seen. The first confirmed example of 1933 Goudey with blue back printing was an example of card #47 Heinie Manush (interestingly, a very close number to #53 Ruth, perhaps not a coincidence), which was found in a large original-owner 1930s gum-card collection. The Manush blue back Goudey was actually discovered by REA while writing a description of a set of 1933 Goudeys sorted from the collection, which appeared as Lot 417 in 2007. The #53 Babe Ruth blue back was found by REA in the Charlie Conlon Collection, stored in a large safe with Charlie's rarest and most valuable cards (such as the T206 Doyle NY Nat'l, T206 Plank, 1933 Goudey Lajoie, and his R300 George C. Miller complete set). We have no idea where he got it or how long he had it, but given Charlie's great interest in extreme rarities, it is not surprising that he would appreciate and make a point to keep such an unusual and extremely rare variation card, especially from such a popular set as 1933 Goudey. The card, which has been encapsulated Authentic by SGC, appears to have possibly been sheet-cut. It is very clean with bold colors, a crisp, perfectly focused image, and centering toward the bottom. Its few isolated minor stains do not significantly detract from the card's overall superb eye appeal. The light horizontal stain coming from the right edge appears to possibly be the result of a paper clip. (If so, this might be evidence that the card long ago originated from the files of Goudey, though this is speculation.) We are very familiar with this particular card as this is the second time we have had the privilege of offering it. This card originally appeared as Lot 461 in REA's Spring 2009 auction, having been consigned by the estate of Charlie Conlon, one of the hobby's truly great pioneer collectors. It has been consigned to this auction directly from the purchaser at that sale. This is a fascinating card and the only Goudey blue ink printed back variation card of Babe Ruth known to exist. Opening Bid $10,000.