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1933 R319 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth, signed by Ruth in black fountain pen across his image. PSA/DNA has graded the signature NM-MT 8 and certified the card as "Authentic." Ruth was featured four times in the 1933 Goudey set, and while signed examples of any of his four cards are scarce, #149 seems to be the most elusive. This is the first example we have ever offered, and we have never seen another. It is interesting to note that REA's Fall 2018 auction featured the sale of a near-complete signed R319 set, including three Babe Ruth cards (one of which sold for $132,000 and established a record for a signed vintage trading card), and the #149 Ruth was one of the few that had eluded our consignor over the many years he pursued the set. The signature on this card is exceptionally clean and bold. It also appears that Ruth was cognizant of the orange background and took great care in making sure that his signature stayed within the confines of his light-colored uniform, allowing for optimal contrast. The card displays a heavy vertical crease and has been trimmed along the base. Both paper and adhesive residue remain on the reverse from its having once been mounted in an album. Despite the obvious flaws, the strength of Ruth's signature outweighs all other concerns and is the defining attribute of this singular example, which would be at home in even the most advanced Babe Ruth or signed-card collection. Reserve $10,000. Estimate (open).