Auction Item Details
Lot 196
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Lot Number: 196
Description: Important Babe Ruth "Bustin" Babes" Barnstorming Tour personal suitcase c.1927-28 (Ex Waite Hoyt Collection). Original leather suitcase as used by Babe Ruth during the famed Ruth-Gehrig Home Run Tour organized by Ruth's agent Christy Walsh. Walsh understood the immense popularity of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig after the historic 1927 season and as such designed for them to tour America playing various local all-star teams. The response was overwhelming with thousands of fans flocking to see the two Yankees sluggers belting home runs out of local stadiums and fields. The offered trunk displays its original applique white lettering on the front reading, --Christy Walsh Management Ruth-Gehrig Home Run Tour-- with top of case having, "Bustin+ Babes 3" indicative of Ruth's uniform numeral. Exterior leather surface remains in outstanding original condition with untouched natural patina. Expected surface wear including some scratching, minor abrasions, and varying degrees of wear to the white lettering. Handle is present but loose at one end. Interior of the case retains its original purple velvet lining with several pouches for storage. Incredible baseball artifact that travelled the country with Babe Ruth and undoubtedly housed Babe's actual game equipment if not uniform itself. Originally obtained by a prominent East Coast Collector directly from Babe Ruth's teammate and Hall of Fame member Waite Hoyt as documented in an accompanying letter from Hoyt. Original memorabilia from this fabled tour is exceedingly rare with only a few pieces of any significance having ever surfaced. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions and copy of letter of provenance from Waite Hoyt: VG-EXEstimated Price Range: ($50,000-$100,000)
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