LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Signature Sports Auction #705  / 

19940

1920 Babe Ruth Signed "Headin Home" Card PSA/DNA

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Autographs (Original) Start Price:3,125.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
1920 Babe Ruth Signed Headin Home Card PSA/DNA
<B>1920 Babe Ruth Signed Tex Rickard "Headin' Home" Card.</B></I> Fine example of this first trading card to picture the great Bambino in the pinstripes of a New York Yankees uniform is elevated to the pinnacle of scarcity and desirability by the appearance upon its surface of a period black fountain pen ink signature from the silent movie star. Hobbyists are well aware of the dearth of Ruth autographed cards in the market, and the few that do surface are almost invariably from the Goudey issues of the 1930's. This is certainly the only signed example of this scarce early card we have ever encountered, and it wouldn't be too risky to assert that it is likely the only one of its kind.<BR><BR> The historical relevance of this piece matches its impressive aesthetics. Though "Variety" panned the film, printing, "It couldn't hold the interest of anyone for five seconds if it were not for the presence of the great athlete. He, and he alone, makes it worth five minutes of anybody's time," the film packed them in, particularly in New York City, where famed promoter Tex Rickard filled Madison Square Garden with its first-ever film screening. In a very real way, this film marked the birth of "superstar athlete as marketing icon," a trend that led to the Madison Avenue dominance of Mickey Mantle, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. For many theater-goers across the country, their first look at this baseball legend in action came with the viewing of "Headin' Home" in 1920, and the home run blast he delivers at the end of the film that travels five blocks before crashing through a church window worked like gasoline on the fire of the public's fascination. With this film, Babe Ruth officially assumed the iconic status he holds to this day. We expect that the winning bidder of this incredible artifact will understand and appreciate this fact.<BR><BR> Imperfect ink flow accounts for a rating of an entirely legible 6/10 for Ruth's famous nickname, while his surname is rendered with magnificent 9/10 boldness. The card itself presents rather minimal edge and corner wear for its advanced age, and some evidence of foxing on verso, of which the image side is entirely free. Card is encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
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