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1920 Pathé Frères Phonograph Co. Babe Ruth Premium Card - Highest Graded - with Record Album and Magazine Advertisement!

Sold For: $25,800
Year: 1921
Auction: 2019 Fall
Lot #: 804
Auction: Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards
This unique offering consists of three of the rarest of all Babe Ruth collectibles: a Pathé Frères Phonograph Co. Babe Ruth premium card; a Pathé Frères Babe Ruth record album; and a Pathé Frères magazine advertisement promoting both the premium card and record. 1) Pathé Frères Babe Ruth Premium Card. Graded VG-EX 4 by PSA. This is the only example graded at this level by PSA, with none graded higher. This extremely rare premium card was issued by the Pathé Frères Phonograph Co. of Brooklyn, New York, in late 1920 and into 1921. The large green and gray-toned card, measuring 7 x 9.25 inches, features an exceptional high-quality image of Ruth as a member of the New York Yankees. The facsimile inscription "Sincerely yours Babe Ruth" is printed in black along the base. The photo credit "White Studio N.Y." is printed in white lettering in the lower left corner. The reverse has a listing of all the home runs Ruth hit in 1920, which includes the date, opposing pitcher and team, and if any men were on base at the time of his home run. The offered card is crisp and clean with a strong image, light wear to the corners, a faint crease in the lower right (more noticeable from the reverse), and a clean reverse. This is a very attractive high-grade example of Ruth's Pathé Frères card, dating from his early years with the Yankees, which would make an outstanding addition to any Babe Ruth or prewar-card collection. 2) Pathé Frères Babe Ruth Record. Scarce 78 rpm phonograph record, titled "'Babe' Ruth's Home Run Story." This record, produced by the Pathé Frères Phonograph Co., was released following Ruth's record-setting 1920 season in which he hit an astonishing 54 home runs. While many people in the country never had a chance to see Ruth in person, with this record they can hear Ruth, in his own words, tell his "Home Run Story." This is just the second example of this record we have offered and we have seen only a few others. The record displays a few light scratches and is in Very Good condition overall. 3) The Saturday Evening Post Pathé Frères Babe Ruth Record Advertisement. The advertisement, printed on a page taken from The Saturday Evening Post, features a photo of Ruth and lets customers know that they will receive a photo card of Ruth with the purchase of each record. An order form appears in the lower right corner. This is the only example of this advertisement we have ever seen, and it is of particular interest as it suggests this may actually be a 1920 issue (the ad is from the 10/9/1920 edition) produced and marketed following the 1920 season. The advertisement (10 x 13 inches; visible dimensions) displays light, scattered foxing/staining and is in apparent Very Good to Excellent condition. Matted to total dimensions of 15 x 18 inches. Total: 3 items (card, record, and advertisement). The substantial size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open).
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