Back Lot Number: 782  
     

Lot 782
 
Description: Fine Babe Ruth autographed photograph c.1930-40s. Stunning sepia tone 8"x10" matted and framed portrait of Ruth in a matte finish taken at a very close vantage point pictures the Babe in Yankees uniform. The photo is signed in black fountain pen at the bottom right margin, "Sincerely Babe Ruth". Signature remains in nearly pristine original condition rating a strong 9 out of 10 and displays beautifully against the light sepia background. Photo condition is similarly impressive exhibiting no mentionable wear or defects save for a minute surface wrinkle at the bottom left corner in the margin only. As a cautionary note, there is an uncommon "halo" effect surrounding the signature area, which JSA has inspected under a VSC lamp. This halo effect may suggest that there was a personalization which was professionally inpainted at some point. That said, we have handled several of this exact matte finish Ruth photos which have been autographed, and they all appear to have a similar effect to the surface with respect to the autographed area. It is likely due to the interaction of the steel tip fountain pen with the matte finish surface. While it is our opinion that the photo surface has not been inpainted (along with PSA/DNA as it includes a PSA/DNA letter as well), in the interest of accuracy we wanted to share the observations of JSA. With respect to image quality, signature quality, and overall condition grade the offered Ruth signed image is clearly among the finest we have handled. Includes LOA from JSA: NM
   
Estimated Price: ($5,000.00-$7,500.00)  
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