1920 Pathe Freres Phonograph Co. Babe Ruth Premium Card PSA VG+ 3.5 - First Year with the Yankees!

Sold For:

$87,000

Year:

1921

Auction:

2024 Spring

Lot #:

709

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Graded VG+ 3.5 by PSA. One of only two examples graded at this level with just one higher! This extremely rare premium card was issued by the Pathe Freres Phonograph Co. of Brooklyn, New York, in 1920, Ruth's first year with the New York Yankees. The large green- and gray-toned card, measuring 7 x 9.25 inches, features an exceptional high-quality image of Ruth. The facsimile inscription "Sincerely yours Babe Ruth" is printed in black on the bottom of Ruth's legs. The photo credit "White Studio N.Y." is printed in white lettering to the left of his image. The reverse has a partial listing of the home runs Ruth hit in 1920, which includes the date, opposing pitcher and team, and if any men were on base. The offered card is crisp and clean with a strong image, even wear to the corners, a faint crease near Ruth's neck (more noticeable from the reverse), and a clean reverse. For many years, this card was considered to be a 1921 issue, but exceptional research has recently concluded that it was in fact made available to the public in late 1920. The image of Ruth on the card features a black arm band, which the Yankees added to their uniforms to honor Ray Chapman, the Indians pitcher who died the same year. Additionally, an advertisement for the card appears in the October, 9, 1920, issue of the Saturday Evening Post. This is a very attractive example of Ruth dating from his first year with the Yankees, which would make an outstanding addition to any Babe Ruth or prewar-card collection. (Please note as of March 2024, PSA is now correctly identifying this as a 1920 issue, as well as distinguishing the two different back variations.) Opening Bid $10,000.