Extremely Rare 1921 Asahina Sporting Goods Postcard Babe Ruth PSA GOOD 2 - 1 of 1 - Highest Graded! - One of Only Two Examples Known!

Sold For:

$58,800

Year:

1921

Auction:

2024 Summer

Lot #:

11

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Graded GOOD 2 by PSA (submitted by REA). Highest graded! Exceedingly rare advertising postcard issued in 1921 for "Asahina Brand Sporting Goods." To the best of our knowledge, this is one of only two surviving examples of this postcard, making it one of the most elusive of all Babe Ruth promotional pieces. Although dating from 1921 when he was with the New York Yankees, the image on the postcard captures Babe Ruth at the plate during his tenure with the Red Sox, taken by renowned baseball photographer Charles Conlon. The lettering along the the base is printed in Japanese, but translates to read "In 1919, he hit 29 home runs for the Red Sox, but last year, he hit 54 home runs for the New York Yankees. He, along with Mount Vesuvius and Niagara Falls, are the three great wonders of the world." The company logo is printed in the lower-left corner. This is a very appealing mid-grade postcard with even corner wear, light creases, a crisp image, and minor staining on the back. The reverse features a preprinted postcard back and has never been mailed. Few cards of Ruth date from the 1920s. This is an outstanding, fascinating, and extremely rare Babe Ruth postcard, and one that would be an extremely important highlight in even the most advanced collection. This is a tremendous Babe Ruth item! Opening Bid $25,000.