Show Case 6 Babe Ruth
In light of the recent Congressional hearings on steroid use challenging the integrity of the game, it should be reminded that Babe Ruth may have single-handedly saved the game of baseball after the infamous 1919 Chicago ‘Black Sox’ scandal.
After ‘Throwing’ the 1919 World Series, 8 alleged members of the Chicago White Sox were brought before a Committee, much like Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, et. al. Although they were exonerated after the hearing, the lords of baseball and Commissioner Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis banned them from the game for life.
The game was reeling and in jeopardy of losing its fan base until the Boston Red Sox traded their star pitcher/slugger, Babe Ruth, to the New York Yankees after the 1919 season. Ruth captivated the country with his home run rampage of 1920. He belted 54 homers in his first year with the Yankees (and first year as a full-time hitter) – which was more then every team in the American League that year. His exploits helped take fan’s minds off the scandal and he is credited with saving the game.
Because of his massive popularity, Ruth memorabilia is extraordinarily popular among collectors. He endorsed everything from underwear to cigars, (he even hired a publicist to market himself) and his image is still used in marketing today.
Shelf 1 – Bottom to top (59 Total Items)
Vintage Babe Ruth Keystone Stereo View Card. Black & white card (3 ½” x 7”) featuring a smiling photo and facsimile signature sandwiched between two batting images of the Bambino (on opposite ends of the card), made to fit into a Keystone stereo view-master. Reverse has instructions and marked: ‘Patent Applied For’. Keystone Co, Meadville, Penna. C. Late 1920’s
Bambino Tie Rack. Interesting gold finished textured-wood rack (5 ¾” x 15” long) featuring a raised head shot image of Ruth, decorated with crossed bats & balls motif. Babe’s baseball cap has an embossed ‘B’ (Boston Braves), the last team he played with in 1935 (his final season in the big leagues). Rack has a swivel arm secured with brackets on either side to hang the ties. Marked: ‘Patent Pending’ on reverse. C. 1935
‘Babe Ruth’ Spalding Store Model Glove. This well-worn adult RHT (right hand thrower) brown leather fielder’s glove clearly retains the ‘Babe Ruth’ facsimile signature on the interior left palm area, with the ‘Spalding’ label stamped on lower center palm. Reverse has original ‘Spalding’ buckle button intact on the adjustable leather wrist strap. Made in USA. C. 1920’ – 30’s
‘Babe Ruth’ Spalding Model Glove. Nice conditioned adult LHT fielder’s glove with a vivid Babe Ruth facsimile signature burned on the right palm. Center palm reads: ‘EZ-FLEX, Rawhide Lacing, Nylon Stitching, Sweetspot Pocket’. Reverse has a cloth Spalding baseball label marked: ‘Exclusive manufacturer American/National league baseballs’ with an adjustable leather strap. C. 1960’s
Draper-Maynard ™ G-41 Horsehide Glove Replica. White limited edition 1922 left-handed model fielder’s glove (# 15 of 714) is an exact likeness to the one that Ruth wore during the early 1920’s. A company logo is burned into the center palm above Babe’s facsimile signature. Comes with original D&M store box with a Babe Ruth ad on the inside lid promoting the glove, along with loads of original company information, more on Ruth and glove collecting in general. The Glove Collector, Dallas, Texas. 1996
Babe Ruth Underwear. What a concept from the days when Ruth could sell anything. This white cotton under-garment is a sleeveless button down body suit with short leggings and reads: ‘“Babe” Ruth Rip Proof Guaranteed Patent No. 1660222’ on reverse. Collar tag reads: ‘“Babe” Ruth Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. Size 44’. A separate paper tag reads: ‘“Babe” Ruth Guaranteed For One Year’. 1928
Spalding Sportscope Flip Movie Advertising Booklet. This little animated instructional booklet (3” x 4”) is a reprint of the 1931 issue featuring Babe Ruth (wearing Yankee pin-stripes) in sequential black & white photos (76 total) inside a stapled cover teaching kids how to hit, with tips below each photo. There is a brief introduction on Babe Ruth ‘Baseball’s Greatest Hero’ by a famed sports writer of the time and booklet also contains a Spalding equipment advertisement. Booklet is labeled No. 2 ‘The Line Drive’ and can be viewed two different ways (forward and backwards) watching different images. A.G. Spalding & Bros. 1990’s
Quaker Oats – The union between Babe Ruth and Quaker Oats was a lucrative one. A veritable catalog of premium novelties were marketed, much to the benefit of both parties in the contract.
4 – Quaker Oats Premium Instruction Booklets. These ‘How To’ instructional lessons by George H. ‘Babe’ Ruth feature playing tips by Ruth and were acquired by sending in box tops from either Quaker ‘Puffed Wheat’ or ‘Puffed Rice’. Each 22-page booklet (3 ¼” x 4 ½”) features a color cover with Ruth’s facsimile signature and a crude drawing to illustrate the subject matter of the book. Inside each is a black & white portrait photo of Ruth wearing a Yankee cap above a facsimile signature and contains simple instructions and rudimentary drawings (including one of him from his days pitching for the Red Sox) to illustrate the subject matter. The last page features a drawing of Ruth dressed in a suit and tie, eating a spoonful of Quaker Oats cereal, with another facsimile signature. 1934
A. How To Knock Home Runs: Mustard cover
B. How To Throw Curves: Orange cover
C. How To Play The Outfield: Green cover
D. How To Play the Infield: Blue cover
Die-Cut Advertising Glove Pamphlet. This ‘Reach’ mini baseball glove catalog (3” x 6”) features a color image of ‘Babe’ on the cover of their promotional booklet. The ten page booklet depicts seven different black & white photos of Babe Ruth model gloves, with a written endorsement from Babe himself: “Says Babe Ruth about baseball gloves…I certainly give my heartiest recommendation to these Major League Mitts and Gloves that Reach has turned out.” A.J. Reach, Wright & Ditson, Inc. Philadelphia. C. 1930
‘New York American’ Celluloid Advertising Score Keeper. This is a newspaper premium titled: ‘“Babe” Ruth Baseball Scorer’ featuring 8 adjustable gear-like scoring tabs and measures 2” x 3 ¾”. Reverse has full side ads such as: ‘New York American’ and ‘Latest Baseball results and more pictures then most other newspapers print’. 1920’s – 30’s
“Babe Ruth Base Ball Scorer”. Another Quaker Oats Premium collectable made of white light-stock cardboard (2” x 3 ¼”), with 5 adjustable scoring tabs and identifies Ruth on front. Reverse pictures boxes of ‘Puffed Rice’ & ‘Puffed Wheat’. 1930’s
Child’s Composition Notebook. Early writing tablet (7 ¾” x 9 ¾”) featuring a vintage black & white photo of Ruth on the cover in uniform, enticing children to by these notebooks of baseballs legendary star. The reporter style notebook still retains its empty lined sheets inside, although yellowed - showing its age. 1920’s
Bats:
Babe Ruth Wiffle Ball Bat. Dark brown plastic wood-grained bat (27 ½” long) with a textured-taped handle marked: ‘Empire’, ‘Home Run King’ and ‘Babe Ruth’. C. 1940’s – 60’s
Louisville Slugger Store Model 125. 34” long White Ash bat with Babe’s facsimile signature on the barrel, also marked: ‘Powerized’. Label is Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Louisville, KY., made in U.S.A. C. 1950’s – 1970’s
Louisville Slugger Model 40 B.R. Bat. Fine patina store model bat (34” long) with Babe’s facsimile signature, also marked: ‘Professional Baseball Fund’, ‘Oil Tempered’. H&B Co. label in center, Louisville, KY., made in U.S.A. C. 1950’s – 1970’s
Famous Quote Commemorative Bat. This one is a limited edition 34” Northern White Ash bat (# 128 of 250) with a natural finish. It has a burned image of Ruth with a facsimile signature and an engraved bio with a long list of accomplishments. Ruth’s famous quote: ‘If it wasn’t for baseball, I’d be in either the penitentiary or the cemetery’ is directly above his signature. Bat company logo is burned onto label, and a different one on the handle butt (comes with a Seal Of Authenticity). Where It All Began Bat Co. Cooperstown, N.Y., made in U.S.A. 1995
Babe Ruth Limited Edition ‘First Five’ Commemorative Decal Bat. This 34” White Ash bat is a Hall of Fame issue honoring the first five inductees when the Museum opened its doors in 1939 (# 194 of 500). Barrel has a beautiful color decal of the classic Bambino swing with his facsimile signature and statistics, while the handle has a ‘Hall of Fame’ color decal. Gold decal label reads: ‘Cooperstown Bat Co., Cooperstown, NY., made in U.S.A. 1991
‘The Bambino’ Commemorative Bat. One of a kind natural finish bat (34” long) with a burned image of the Bambino swinging a bat on the barrel, beside a brief bio. A Hot Iron Originals Bat Co label marked: ‘Burned by hand by J. Williams’ and another company logo on handle butt. Comes with Certificate Of Authenticity. Hot Iron Originals Co. 1996
Louisville Slugger Model 125 Commemorative Bat. Dark brown stained 34” bat (Hillerich & Bradsby Co.) with Babe’s facsimile signature beside his career statistics. C. 1990’s
Sealed Babe Ruth Commemorative Baseball in Display Case. This is a new ball with Babe’s facsimile signature, a brief bio, and a commemorative stamp celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is displayed in a clear acrylic case with a plastic gold base (from PKK) and comes with a Certificate Of Authenticity. All-Star Marketing Corp., Elmsford, NY. 1995
Rawlings Hand-Painted Baseball in Display Case. This official American League baseball (facsimile signature of Gene A Buday, President), has a nice hand-painted color portrait drawing of Babe Ruth in Yankee pin stripes, initialed by the artist DB/96 (Doug Brewer). It is also displayed in a clear acrylic case with a plastic gold base (from PKK). 1996
‘The Bambino’ Wood Baseball. Nice workmanship on this regulation-sized wood baseball with hand-burned seams, and a portrait image of the Ruth on one side. Other side burn-marked: ‘Babe Ruth # 3 The Bambino’ and ‘Burned By Hand By J. Williams’. Ball rests on a 2 ¼” diameter stained wood base. Hot Iron Originals Co. C. 1995
Baseball Immortals Ruth/Cobb Knife Box. Brown alligator collectors edition box (4 ¾” x 7 ½”) with images of Babe Ruth & Ty Cobb on the lid (Ruth knife on shelf # 4 in this cabinet/ Cobb in Cabinet # 1, shelf # 1). Frost Cutlery, Chattanooga, TN. 1990’s
Babe Ruth Caricature Die-Cut. Easel-backed cardboard cutout (6” x 11”) with a graphic drawing of the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes, swinging bat, marked: ‘Babe’ on the base. 1975
Babe Ruth D&M Die-Cut Picture. This black & white image was taken from the 1925 Draper-Maynard Catalog and depicts the Bambino advertising their G-41 Baseball glove (same white glove as on shelf). C. 1996
Babe Ruth Wiffle Balls in Sealed Package. Yellow cardboard sided pack with original store cellophane wrapping contains 3 white plastic wiffle balls, with raised seams. Box is marked: ‘Throw Curves’ in blue type. Empire, Tarboro, North Carolina (probably same company that made the Wiffle Ball Bat). C. Late 1950’s – 60’s
2 – Babe Ruth Baseball ® Cloth Patches. Circular red/white/blue patches (3” diameter) from the Babe Ruth Baseball League featuring a sewn batting image of their namesake inside a baseball (with red seams), which itself is inside a baseball diamond. Patches are slightly different; one has ‘Bambino’ in red thread stitched across the top, while other has a larger baseball diamond and a red-piping inside border, both labeled: ‘Babe Ruth Baseball’. C. 1950’s – 60’s
‘King of Swat’ Booklet. This thin paper back (5 ¾” x 8”) was written immediately following Babe Ruth’s death in ‘48’ (it just happens to be 48 pages) by the Catholic Order as a tribute to this great American Catholic baseball player and hero of millions. The cover pictures a black & white photograph of the Bambino (with his famous swing), super-imposed over a green-tinted picture of Yankee Stadium (referred to as the house that Ruth built). Published by Apostolate Of The Press/Pious Society of Saint Paul, December, 1948
Babe Ruth Negative in Original Envelope. Small manila envelope (2 ½” x 4 ¼”) stamped: ‘Babe Ruth’ and contains a cardboard folder, with an inner negative shot of the Bambino (waist up) marked: ‘King of Swat’. Instructions on envelope read: ‘Be Your Own Photographer: Place white paper (photographic paper), glossy side up, in holder, then slide negative over paper. Expose to direct sunlight for one minute. Remove negative and you have completed picture’. Sun Pictures. C. 1930’s – 50’s
5 – Vintage Babe Ruth League Bumper Stickers. How these have survived amazes me, but somehow they have. The paper backing is peeling and the glue is dried out, but they are still virtually intact. Each sticker (3 ½” wide x 15” long) has the red/white/blue Babe Ruth League logo on the left side and reads: ‘Passaic Recreation Baseball’ (New Jersey) in blue letters and ‘Babe Ruth League’ in red lettering. C. 1950’s – 60’s
Babe Ruth Caricature Drawing. Thin cardboard stock (3 ¼” square) is diamond-shaped with base paths and features a black & white head shot photo super-imposed on a caricature body of Ruth swinging bat against a blue background. It is marked: ‘Babe Ruth 714 homers’. C. 1970’s – 80’s
Sealed Bambino Die-Cut Greeting Card. Colorful cardboard die-cut of an older cheerful Ruth batting in Yankee pin stripes; the feet fold-out and fit into cutout slots of Yankee Stadium in the background (house that Ruth built). Card comes with a 5” x 7” envelope. Created by Cardesign, Oakland, Ca. 1980
Babe Ruth Napkin. White paper restaurant napkin (4 ¾” square) featuring a graphic blue image of the Babe from the chest up, bat on shoulder. Marked: ‘© Nini 81’. 1981
3 – Post Cards. Blank black & white photo cards of the Bambino and Yankee Stadium (The House That Ruth Built). 1980’s
22-Karat Gold Foil Card. The legendary Hall-of-Fame Yankee is immortalized in a dramatic 3-dimsional image on a shimmering surface of real gold. Expertly crafted, the meticulous engraving process involves a skilled craftsman to hand-inscribe every detail with steel dies to strike Babe’s likeness. Front portrays the Babe in a classic batting pose, reverse highlights his lifetime Major League statistics (# 30 in the gold baseball card set). The card is preserved in a crystal clear protective case and licensed by MLB. The Danbury Mint, Norwalk, Ct. 1996
Rold Gold/Kellogg’s ‘All-Time Greats’ 3-D Baseball Card. This is an early prototype set (# 6 of 15) issued two years prior to the Kellogg’s ‘All-Time Greats’ set in 72’. The blue-bordered card features the Bambino batting with a facsimile signature across his chest and Yankee Stadium in the background, marked: ‘Greatest Ever’. Reverse has a bio and career highlights. Xograph®, MLB Promo Corp. 1970
3-D ‘Decade Greats’. Black & white card (# 1 of 75) billed as ‘Magic Motion Baseball Cards’ that morphs between a batting image and an older head shot. The card represents the ‘Best of The ‘30’s set, when Babe was nearing the end of his remarkable career. Sportflics. 1986
Ruth ‘Baseball Greats’ Starting Line Up Card. Black & white photo card showing Ruth batting and came packaged with his Starting Lineup figurine. Reverse has career stats. Kenner. 1989
Swell Baseball Greats Card # 1. Black & white photo image of an older Ruth batting; reverse has bio and lifetime stats. Swell Cards, Philadelphia Chewing Gum Corp. 1989
Pacific Baseball legends Card # 176. Nice silver bordered card with featuring color photo of Ruth posing in a studio (looks like his Yankee road uniform). Reverse has bio and career stats. Pacific Trading Cards, Inc. 1989
2 – Conlon Baseball Cards. Black & white cards (#’s 110 & 145) from the 330 card set featuring the classic photography of Charles Conlon taken during the period 1905 – 1942. Card # 110 depicts a head shot of Babe in 1927; reverse lists career batting stats. Number 145 pictures Ruth in a Red Sox uniform batting; reverse lists career pitching record. The Sporting News and Megacards, Inc.. 1991
Score Ruth Card # 879. Front features a color photograph of Babe Ruth’s equipment with a pair 30’s Goudy baseball cards on top. Reverse has a long bio. Score Inc.. 1992
‘Ruthian Shots’ Card Set. Five card black & white set featuring old photographs of the Bambino. Megacards Inc. 1993
Baseball Weekly Commemorative Ruth Phone Card. Un-used pre-paid black & white ‘Tele Trading Card’ (10 minutes worth) celebrating the Bambino’s anniversary with a batting image and his facsimile signature. USA Today, and Tele Trading Cards, Inc., Fairfax, Va. February, 1995
Upper Deck Baseball Heroes Hologram Card # 73. Metallic card with an early color photo of Babe pitching in a Boston Red Sox uniform; reverse has bio and lists his career pitching stats. Upper Deck Co. 1995
The Babe Ruth Bat Certificate Of Authenticity Baseball Card. Black & white photo of the Bambino in mid swing marked: ‘Louisville Slugger by Hillerich & Bradsby Co., with a facsimile signature across the bottom. The limited edition card represents Bat Number (# 6506 of 25,000) of a Ruth Signature Bat replica. Reverse has a COA (Certificate Of Authenticity), facsimile signature, picture of the replica bat, and a brief bio. Signature Bats, LP, Ketchum, Id. 1995
Collect-A-Books Babe Ruth Booklet # 10. Mini child’s learning booklet (baseball card size) with cardboard front and back covers; front has a black & white photo and features a 4-page story with career highlights inside. From the Collect-A-Books Premier Edition by JCB. 1990
Shelf 2 (36 Total Items)
‘5-Cent Diamond Dust’ Punch Board. Nice colorful ‘Depression Era’ piece of bar room paraphernalia representing a long connection of baseball and gambling. Place a nickel on the bar, punch a hole and pull out a star player’s name to win a dollar (considered a lot during the depression). Among the several mysteries clouding “Diamond Dust’ is why ball players permitted their images to appear on what seems to be a calculated exploitation of nickels from naive customers. Made of multi-layered cardboard (5 ¼” x 8” x 5/8” thick) bound on all four sides; top section pictures 15 different graphic player images of future Hall of Famer’s, each with different numbers on chest (Ruth: 262): Gehrig, Foxx, Johnson, Dean, Medwick, Cochrane, Simmons, et. al. Bottom features 4 sections with 144 holes (576 total chances). As an additional incentive, the last punch in each section automatically received $1. Reverse has serial number and pocket that once contained the punch key. 1930’s
‘5-Cent Diamond Dust’ Punch Card. This flat cardboard lottery gambling version (5 ¾” x 9 ¼”) has 4 isolated punch-out sections totaling 578 chances. Also for a nickel per play, the customer was awarded a dollar if they punched out one of 19 different Major League players. This red board features photos (not illustrations) of the players (most are different from above), most are Hall-of-Fame’s, including Babe Ruth (# 366). Reverse retains paper company stamp and reads: ‘Take in $30, Pay Out $19’. Harlich MFG. Co., Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Ill. 1930’s
Babe Ruth Ceramic Ash tray. Nice embossed bust image of the Bambino on the front of this green ceramic baseball (with raised seams). The ash tray portion is on the top, along with 2 cigarette rests. Bottom marked: ‘Cooperstown Original’. C. 1940’s
Ruth U.S.P.S. Commemorative Coaster. Ceramic coaster (4” diameter) with pewter border and a cork underside features the newly-released 20-cent Babe Ruth stamp issue in the center, marking the 50th anniversary of baseball’s first all-star game (July 6, 1933). U.S. Post Office, Donnelley Marketing. 1983
‘The 60th Home Run’ Figural Stein. Large ceramic stein (7 ¼” tall) from the Premier issue of the ‘Portraits of a Legend’ collection, features a Babe Ruth figural handle (swinging bat), under the Yankee Stadium facade. Stein has embossed baseball décor and three different color panels of the Bambino in action, with memorable moments labeled below. Limited edition # A 0125 from Longton Crown under appropriate licenses. 1997
Babe Ruth Stadium Star Statue. Plastic action figure (7” tall) of the great Bambino (swinging bat) mounted atop an authentic replica (4 ½” x 5”) of Yankee Stadium, A.K.A. ‘The House That Ruth Built’. MLB & Kenner Toys. Made in China. 1997
Old Yankee Stadium Replica Sculpture. Beautiful-detailed stadium called ‘The House That Ruth Built’ is now recreated in remarkable detail, especially considering that it has just been relegated to the dust bin of history. Meticulously hand-painted and mounted on a handsome hardwood base, it comes with the celebrated Yankee Stadium sign and famous outfield billboards (authentically reproduced and readable) along with a Certificate of Ownership bearing the serial number (B8542). Danbury Mint, Norwalk, Ct. Made in China. 1996
Yankee Stadium Ball Park. Limited edition replica of the ‘former’ Home of the New York Yankees - will also be with you forever now that it has been rebuilt. Made of natural stone, this hand-painted miniature (6” x 6”) represents the old classic stadium, and even has the celebrated ‘Yankee Stadium’ sign on the front. Gold plaque on front labeled # 321 of 4,750. Sports Collectors Guild, Inc., ™ Phoenix, Arizona (handcrafted in Arizona). 1996
Yankee Stadium Musical Tin. Lithographed storage tin shaped and painted like Yankee Stadium plays ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game’ when you take the lid off. Stadia Tins Ltd. 1990’s
Babe Ruth Anniversary Collectors Tin. Decorative limited edition tin (7 ¼” diameter) featuring a color photo of the Bambino on the lid with a facsimile autograph that once contained Baby Ruth ‘fun size’ candy bars. Sides are painted in Yankee pin-stripes and marked: ‘Baby Ruth’ 3x. Underside features a brief bio along with lifetime stats as a hitter and pitcher. Nestlee’ Co, distributed by Perugina Brands of America. 1995
Sealed Baby Ruth Candy Bar. This is an association piece capitalizing on the fame of the great Bambino without having to pay out royalties (very lucrative as they have been in business many decades). Nestlee’ Food Company, Glendale, Ca.. C. 1995
Crystal Anniversary Bat. Limited edition 7 ¾” long bat (Baccarat Crystal?) with a smoked glass handle and a gold-etched facsimile signature of the Bambino (# 855 of 1995) celebrating his 100 years. There is also a multi-faceted crystal baseball affixed to top of bat. 1995
Rawlings Hand-Painted Baseball in Display Case. This ‘Official American League’ baseball (facsimile signature of Gene A Buday, President) features a black & white portrait drawing of Babe Ruth between the seams, in Yankee pin stripes, holding a bat. Ball is initialed by the artist DB/97 (Doug Brewer) and displayed in a clear acrylic case with a gold plastic base (from Sports Products Corp, Cleveland, Ohio). 1997
100th Anniversary Framed Photograph. Gold framed black & white photo of the Bambino teaching a child how to grip bat. Picture frame is mounted on a concave glass display along with a quote from Babe and a facsimile signature. 1995
2 – Bazooka ‘Great Moments In Baseball’ Bubble Gum Boxes. These cardboard boxes (3” x 6 ¼”) originally contained twenty-five pieces of Topps’ Bazooka bubble gum along with five baseball cards. Color front pictures Babe Ruth as a promo for the card series ‘with complete story on back’ for each moment featured. Reverse contains a black & white newspaper headline with a photo from that historic day: one is from Oct. 1, 1932 highlighting Ruth’s historic game that soon became known as ‘The Called Shot’ in the World Series, with an excerpt from the article underneath. The other box features headlines of the Bambino from May 25, 1935, bashing 3 home runs in a game for the Boston Braves (in what would turn out to be his final home runs after being traded), also with a photo and an excerpt from the paper’s article. Side panels contain 4 cutout ‘plaks’ from the 41 card ‘All-Time Greats’ set (8 total). Topps Chewing Gum, Inc., Duryea, Pa. 1963
7-Eleven ‘Hall Of Fame’ Cup. White plastic ‘Slurpee’ cup with a bust image of the Bambino on the front above his facsimile signature, marked: ‘Babe Ruth New York Yankees’. Reverse has a brief bio. 7-Eleven, division of the Southland, Corp. 1973
Babe Ruth Alarm Clock. White plastic wind-up (4” diameter) features a sepia-tone photo of the Bambino on the face beside his name, wearing a Yankee cap. Made in China. 1970’s
McDonalds ‘All Time Greatest Team’ Drinking Glass. Clear advertising glass (6” tall) with a 1962 ‘Topps’ baseball card (color) superimposed on the front; side has a large Ruth facsimile signature. Reverse is an exact copy of the card back with career statistics. Coca-Cola and McDonalds, Corp. 1993
100th Anniversary Clock. Plastic quartz clock with a multi-color face features a silhouette drawing of classic ‘Ruthian’ swing (3” diameter), mounted on a clear acrylic base with facsimile signature. Runs on a single ‘A’ battery. 1995
Coca-Cola Bottle with Babe Ruth Cap and Yankee Logo. Un-opened pop bottle with a Yankees ‘NY’ logo on the front is capped with an incredible-detailed bottle top featuring a painted batting image of the Bambino, by sports artist, Doug Brewer. 1996
Sealed Babe Ruth Baseball Card Kit. Cardboard box cover (6 ¼” x 8 ¼”) pictures the Bambino against Yankee pin-stripe background. Kit includes an over-sized ‘talking baseball card’ with Babe’s photo, a limited edition 20-card set, a collector’s album, and a booklet titled: ‘The Babe Ruth Story’. Collectors Marketing Corp., NY, NY. 1989
Sealed ‘The Story of Babe Ruth’ VHS Tape. This documentary features live action footage of the Bambino (including commentary by actor Pat O’ Brien, who witnessed his career) – from the ‘Famous Americans of the 20th Century’ series. Color jacket has an older black & white photo of Ruth in a Yankee uniform from the 30’s. Run time is 55 minutes, by Hearst Entertainment. 1991
Sealed Babe Ruth VHS Tape. Documentary with a color jacket picturing the Bambino labeled: ‘The Man, The Myth, The Legend’, narrated by Mel Allen (play-by-play announcer forever known as the ‘Legendary Voice of the New York Yankees’). Run time is 42 minutes, from Anchor Bay Entertainment, Inc., Troy, Michigan. 1995
Bronze ‘Fathers of Baseball’ Centennial Coin. Bronze proof collectors-edition coin (1 ½” diameter) with an embossed bust image of the Bambino on front marked: ‘Babe Ruth Centennial 1895 – 1995’. Reverse has a classic embossed batting image marked: ‘714 Home Runs’. Coin is mounted in a plastic case with gold type and features a small booklet with a brief bio, and Certificate of Authenticity. 1995
The Babe Ruth Collection Tin with Cards. Limited edition collector tin (5” x 6 ¼”) honoring the Babe with a 165 baseball card set of his very own. Colorful tin front pictures 3 of the cards from the collection. This large personal set features many black & white Ruth photographs never seen before, with lengthy stories explaining pictures on the reverse. Megacards, Inc. 1992
Metallic Impressions Collector Card Tin with Cards. This new card concept features a handsome black tin (3 ½” x 5”) with gold embossed bat décor along with an action picture of the Bambino on the front. Set contains five sealed, metallic framed Ruth cards inside (U.S. Patent No. 5,363,964), each with embossed décor and name plate; card fronts have different color pictures of Ruth. Reverse has a black & white photo with long bios. Cooperstown Collection by Metallic Impressions. Made in China. 1994
Limited Edition Ceramic Baseball Card. This is a new concept by Sports Impressions; it features a wafer-thin over-sized ceramic card (4” x 6”) with gold-leaf edging (# 434 of 714). Front has a drawing by Joseph Catalano, depicting the Bambino in five memorable poses, with Yankee Stadium in the background. Reverse lists career stats just like a regular baseball card. Sports Impressions, NY. 1988
Ceramic Baseball Card. Another limited edition wafer-thin card (# 320 of 2,950) features color images of the Bambino from his days as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox (from a painting by artist, Joseph Catalano). Reverse lists Ruth’s entire pitching record (even with the Yankees). 3 ½” x 4 ¾” overall. Sports Impressions, NY. 1992
Topps 100th Anniversary Ceramic Baseball Card. Delicate wafer-thin limited edition card (# 2,924 of 5,000) featuring the Bambino batting on the front with gold print. Reverse has a long bio and career batting stats. The Topps Co. and R&N China Co., Inc.. 1995
Golden Legends 22-Karat Baseball Card. The Bambino is immortalized once again in this prominent gold foil limited edition card (# 32,419 of 50,000) in the Golden Legends Series. The embossed images on front and back are expertly produced from a hand-cut die – similar to that of a medal or coin. Front portrays the Babe in a classic batting pose with a facsimile signature under the card. Reverse is serially numbered for authenticity and pictures Ruth in another classic batting pose and highlights some of his professional achievements. Comes with a plastic display base and licensed by MLB. 1994
Babe Ruth Playing Card. Beautiful color rendition of the Bambino on the reverse of this eight of spades, featuring Ruth at bat, pointing in the ‘32’ World Series, from what became known as the ‘Called Shot’. C. 1970’s
Topps Babe Ruth Baseball Card # 474. Black & white photo featuring the All-Time R.B.I. (runs batted in) leader from this 660 card set. Topps Gum. 1973
Babe Ruth Sport Deck Playing Cards in Sealed Pack. This card deck features original drawings by noted artist, Alan Landsman, who specializes in pencil drawings of famous personalities (52 total cards). From Alan Landsman, Sports Deck Division, San Diego, California. 1978
Babe Ruth ‘Donruss Greats’ Jig-Saw Puzzle. Un-punched color cardboard pieces by Perez-Steele, numbered and attached to a backing (21 total) of which were inserted into card packs instead of bubble gum to stimulate sales (a court ruling barred all new companies from inserting bubble gum due to an extensive lawsuit). Donruss, Co. 1982
Sealed Japanese Babe Ruth Card Set. Limited edition reprint set (gold stamp marked: ‘Babe Ruth in Japan # 284 of 5000’) featuring colorful ‘Superare’ caricature images of the Bambino from Japanese cards issued during the 20’s and 30’s. Superare Reprint Card Co. 1993
Shelf 3 (110 Total Items)
Bats:
‘Babe Ruth At Orpheum Theater’ Bat. This mini 5” long wood bat with a small stitched leather baseball affixed at the top was a give-away to fans when Ruth appeared at the Orpheum in St. Louis, in 1922. By that time baseball was taking off once again while the infamous ‘Black Sox’ scandal was fading into a bad memory. Bat is marked on the barrel in purple ink ‘Babe Ruth At Orpheum Theater’. 1922
Babe Ruth Underwear Advertising Bat. In addition to lending his name to many products, let us not forget this was at the height of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ and credit was flowing freely. This mini patina-ed bat (14” long), is marked on the label ‘Athletic Babe Ruth Underwear’ in reference to the sleeveless cotton under-garment he endorsed (Patent No. 1660222 on shelf # 1), to help stimulate sales. C. 1928
Souvenir Bat, Celluloid Charm & Ivory Baseball. Tiny wood bat (2” long) engraved ‘Babe Ruth’ on the barrel with a small chain through the handle. Attached to the chain is a small hand-painted celluloid batter charm (1 1/8” tall) with a chain loop attachment on top of his cap, marked: ‘Japan’ on his back. Also attached is a rare hand-painted ivory baseball (3/8” diameter), which is actually a black seamed button (see page 131 of Baseball Treasures by Kashmanian elsewhere in collection), and is hollow with a metal loop at top to be worn on a man’s waist coat. The tiny ball unscrews and contains 3 miniature dice inside (C. 1900). C. 1920’s – 30’s
New York Yankees Souvenir Charm Bat. This 9” long bat marked: ‘New York Yankees’ in black ink on the barrel has a metal chain through the handle with several vintage charms. One is a small hand-painted celluloid pitcher (2” tall) with a metal ring on top of head marked: ‘Japan’ on the back of his thigh. The other is a mini brass-patina-ed baseball (5/8” diameter). C. 1920’s – 30’s
2 – Mini Louisville Slugger Souvenir Bats. Different size Ruth bats, both with a facsimile engraved: ‘George “Babe” Ruth’ on the barrel and ‘Louisville Slugger’ company burned labels. One is 16” long (model 125); the other 22’ long (model 25). C. 1920’s – 30’s
Babe Ruth Drinking Glass. Clear advertising glass (5” tall) featuring a black & white batting image of the Bambino above ‘1936’, superimposed on the front. Signed by artist ??. Pepsi and United Oil. C. 1970’s
Rawlings Hand-Painted Baseball in Display Case. This is an ‘Official American League’ baseball (facsimile signature of League President Gene A Buday) with a black & white drawing of Ruth between the seams. The image is from Babe’s last appearance at Yankee Stadium and was captured from behind as he walked from the dugout to the microphone, for the last time shortly before he passed away from throat cancer. The ball is initialed by the artist DB/97 (Doug Brewer) and displayed in a clear acrylic case with a gold plastic base (from Sports Products Corp, Cleveland, Ohio). 1997
‘Called Shot’ MicroCozm ® Figurine. Mini hand-painted pewter figure (approx. 2” tall) from the ‘Great Moments In Baseball’ series; figure is mounted on a pewter base (1 ¾” x 2 ¼”) with Babe’s name engraved on the front. The decorative baseball motif background shows a catcher and fans in bleachers, reverse has a description of the ‘Moment’. Comes with original box (two figures to a box), certificate of Authenticity, and they are numbered. Longton Crown & Cooperstown Collection. 1996
Vintage Mini New York Yankees Pennant. Brown Ruth era felt pennant (4 ½” long) with a white image of a player holding the ‘Y’ in Yankees in one hand, glove and ball in the other. C. 1930’s
Mini Paper Pennant Premium. Red pennant on a white background (1 ¼” x 3”) recapping an early World Series played between the Yankees and NY Giants. Pennant reads: ‘1923 Yanks World Champions’, background reads: ‘Yankees 4 games, Giants 2 games’ (probably issued in a baseball card pack or confection product). This was the first World Series played at the new Yankee Stadium with Ruth hitting 3 home runs and drawing 8 walks as the Yanks inaugurated their new stadium with a World Championship (just as the 2009 Yankees did in their new stadium). C. 1950’s?
NY Yankees Cloth Patch. White circular baseball-shaped patch (3” diameter) with purple seams and ‘Yankees’ stitched across the seams in blue thread. A purple baseball bat replaces the ‘K’ in Yankees. C. 1950’s – 70’s
‘Home Run’ Candy Refrigerator Advertising Magnet. Grey laminated souvenir magnet (2” x 3”) pictures Ruth batting beside a picture of his ‘5-Cent Home Run Candy Bar’ (with his image on the wrapper) from the late 20’s. Reverse has a rubber magnet. Curtis, Indpls., In., made in USA. 1990’s
4 – Red Rock Cola Pop Bottles. Un-opened 100th Anniversary issued bottles (10 FL. OZ.) from the ‘Collector Series’ depicting different titles and images of the Bambino on each. One side features a color Red Rock label drawing of the Bambino batting (inside a baseball) with a facsimile signature on cap, proclaiming: ‘It’s The Finest Cola Drink I Ever Tasted’. Reverse side features different titled batting images and the number series is limited to. American West Breweries, Inc., Kennesaw, Ga. 1995
A. The Sultan Of Swat: (1 of 700)
B. Babe Ruth: (1 of 2,500)
C. The Bambino: (1 of 5,000)
D. The Called Shot with facsimile signature: (1 of 5,000)
Baby Ruth Cigar Crisper with Holding Tool. Glass lid with a painted tin frame that slides over an open a cigar box lid so one can view the stogies inside. The see-through lid also serves as a shelf to ‘tinker’ with them. Cream frame with red and black type reads: ‘5-Cents Baby Ruth America’s Greatest 5-Cent Cigar’. C. 1920’s
3 – Baby Ruth Cigar Bands. These decorative bands (2 ¾” long) were once wrapped around cigars that came in a Babe Ruth cigar box, with the above crisper. Bands are red with gold embossed décor marked: ‘Baby Ruth’ in the center, surrounded by ‘Tobaccos Primeros’. C. 1920’s
3 – Babe Ruth Leathers. These leather etchings depict classic poses of the legendary Bambino and are reminiscent of the L-1 leather tobacco premiums from 1912 (issued by Helmar cigarettes). These are shaped just like those miniature animal hides which pictured a prominent baseball player of the time. Each of these leathers (approx. 7” x 8”) has ‘Babe Ruth’ etched under the respective pose, and is signed by the artist ‘Williams’ (no date).
A. The legendary ‘Called Shot’ from the ‘32’ World Series against the
Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, on October 1st, during game 3 off pitcher,
Charley Root.
B. Ruth photographed from behind - captured during his last appearance at
Yankee stadium shortly before dying of cancer.
C. Classic ‘Ruthian’ left-handed batting swing.
Babe Ruth Pen and Pencil Desk Statuette. This extraordinary office desk ornament was a promo for the release of: ‘The Babe Ruth Story’. It has a bronze statuette of the Bambino completing his classic home run swing, with bat in hand. The statuette is set in a marble style desktop under glass, with his facsimile signature written in gold; base has 2 pen/pencils holders on either side of statue. Base is 4” x 7”, figure is 4 ½” tall. 1949
Babe Ruth Mechanical Lead Pencil. Black pencil (5” long) that actually looks like a pen; it has a gold pocket clip engraved with Babe’s facsimile signature and a small enameled baseball on top. No manufacturer. C. 1930’s
Babe Ruth Pencil. Un-used white pencil (7 ½” long) from the company that made Babe’s ceremonial monument, dedicated on April 19, 1949 (monuments are awarded posthumously) which resides in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium (honoring the greatest of the Yankee greats). This pencil has black & white replica image of the Bambino’s monument just below the eraser (eraser intact). Honeyspot Monument Works, Bridgeport, Conn. C. 1950
Baby Ruth Chewing Gum. Another rare association piece of confection capitalizing on the popularity of the Yankee Star. The red & white wrapper contains four original sticks (2 ¾” long) of ‘peppermint’ gum inside. Curtiss Candy Co. Chicago, Ill. C. 1930’s
‘Babe’s Choice’ Milk Bottle. The Babe’s nickname and image has been used many times in such a way that companies could capitalize on his success without paying out royalties, and is considered an association piece. This one quart glass bottle (10” tall) has an image of a ballplayer swinging in classic ‘Ruthian’ pose (right handed swing, Ruth was left-handed) marked: ‘Babe’s Choice’ and ‘Twin Maple Farm’. Reverse reads: ‘Guaranteed The Best of Maine’. C. 1970’s – 80’s
Babe Ruth Hallmark Doll in Box. This little stuffed-cloth rag doll (7” tall) of the Babe in his Yankee (Home) pinstripes (# 3 on back) is part of Hallmark's ‘Famous American’s Series 1’ collection. The decorative box is actually a die-cut of Yankee Stadium (The House That Ruth Built) and comes with a flap that opens revealing the Bambino behind cellophane, while the inside flap has a bio on Ruth. Hallmark Cards, Inc., K.C. Missouri, made in Taiwan. 1979
‘Babe Ruth League’ Trophy. Nice gold-plated swinging batter figure (10” tall), mounted atop a gold column engraved ‘Babe Ruth League 1949/52 MVP’. White plastic (or bakelite?) base marked: ‘Kaao Trophies, Los Angeles, USA. 1949/52
Ruth League Trophy. This rare gold-plated trophy figure dates to much earlier then the inception of the Babe Ruth League (most-likely an older re-cycled trophy). It depicts a 19th Century batter wearing bell-bottom pants and is mounted on a nice metal base with a gold plaque engraved: ‘Babe Ruth League Batting Champion’. Trophy is early 1900’s, probably re-awarded in the 1950’s.
26 – Stadium souvenir pins – Variety of celluloid pin back buttons of the Bambino that were mostly issued at stadiums by vendors, inserted into food packaging to sell products, or awarded to club members such as the ‘Babe Ruth Club’.
Sunoco ‘Ask Me’ Pin Back Button. This Ruth advertising pin (3” diameter) features a color ¾ profile portrait of the Bambino alongside the phrase: ‘Ask Me’. These buttons were meant to be displayed on the uniforms of Sunoco (some say Texaco) Gas Station attendants during the ‘30’s and is the largest vintage pin back button ever issued featuring Ruth’s portrait (also early buttons were mostly black & white or sepia-toned). 1930’s
Babe Ruth Memorial Souvenir Pin. This celluloid stadium pin back (1 ¾” diameter) was issued in memoriam of Babe Ruth and sold at Yankee Stadium as a one day event. It features a black & white image of Ruth batting against a black background, with his name written across the bottom. Attached is a red, white, and blue ribbon and a celluloid baseball charm with engraved seams. C. 1948
2 – ‘Babe Ruth Champions’ Quaker Oats Pins. This rare celluloid pin (7/8” diameter) features a black & white headshot of an older ‘Bambino’ against a white background with Babe smiling in his Boston Braves cap (the last team he played for). The other is a newer version, slightly smaller with a different pin clasp on back (C. 1950’s). Parisian Novelty Co., Chicago. C. 1935
‘Babe Ruth, Babe Ruth, We Know What He Can do’ Promotional Pin. This white pin back (7/8” diameter) with black type was issued to advertise the sheet music song of the same title and reads: ‘Babe Ruth, Babe Ruth, We Know What He Can do’ and ‘sells for 25-Cents’. 1928
Babe Ruth ‘Member Baseball Club’ Pin Back. Black & white ‘Quaker Oats’ premium pin (1” diameter) features a baseball with black stitching with a younger picture of Ruth smiling between the seams, with his facsimile signature. C. 1930’s
‘Hello Babe’ Souvenir Pin Back. Uncommon celluloid pin (7/8” diameter) pictures a smiling Babe Ruth in black & white wearing a Yankee cap; pin is captioned: ‘Hello Babe’ in red. The pin was issued in conjunction with a motion picture in which Ruth was featured. Back is stamped: ‘Bastian Bros’, Union Label, Rochelle, NY. C. Late 1920’s
‘Babe Ruth’ Celluloid Pin. Rare small un-catalogued black & white pin (¾” diameter) depicts a young head shot of Ruth wearing a Yankee cap with his name spelled in block letters beneath his chin. 1930’s
‘Babe Ruth Club’ Premium Pin. Scarce tin-lithographed pin (7/8” diameter) depicting a smiling image of the Bambino in a tank top against a white background at his athletic best. Inside reads: ‘Greenduck Co., Chicago and shows several union stamp logos and # 1,215,675 (not a patent NO.). C. 1920’s – 30’s
‘Babe Ruth League Booster’ Pin Back. This 1” diameter pin dates back to the inception of the Babe Ruth League; it is red with a blue diamond over a white background and features a graphic image of Ruth swinging a bat between the seams of a baseball. The button also reads: ‘For Boys 13, 14 and 15’. C. 1951 – 52
‘Babe Ruth’s Own Team’ Pin. White pin (1 ¼” diameter) with blue type marked: ‘Babe Ruth’s Own Team’. 1950’s
‘I Support Babe Ruth Baseball’ Pin. White pin (1” diameter) with red lettering promoting the Babe Ruth Baseball League which was started in New Jersey in 1950, marked: ‘I Support Babe Ruth Baseball’. C. 1950’s
HF1 Ruth Pin. Large color pin (3” diameter) from the ‘Baseball Hall of Fame’ set (# 1 in the series) pictures a bust image of the Babe in Yankee pin stripes against a blue background. C. 1960’s – 70’s
Babe Ruth World Series Advertising Pin. Nice red pin (1 ½” diameter) featuring Babe in the center surrounded by: ‘Babe Ruth World Series, Mattoon, Ill., 1969. Back marked: ‘Osco Drug’. 1969
MLB Ruth Pin. Large multi-color pin (3 ½” diameter) with a black & white photo of an older Babe (pre 1935) with a bat on shoulder, surrounded by stars on a red & white background marked: ‘Babe Ruth New York Yankees’. Major League Baseball (MLB) & Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). 1969
Sultan of Swat Pin. Black & white pin (1 ½” diameter) designed to resemble a baseball features a head shot photo in the center between the seams. Pin has a facsimile signature and is marked: ‘Sultan of Swat’. C. 1950’s – 70’s
Babe Ruth Pin. This color pin (3” diameter) features a prominent head shot of an older Ruth (pre 1935) wearing a Yankee cap. Edge marked ‘© Arthur K. Miller. C. 1960’s – 80’s
Ruth/Gehrig Souvenir Pin. Color pin (1 ¾” diameter) depicting a photo (publicity shot from the 1920’s) of the Yankee duo with Gehrig’s left arm resting on Babe’s right shoulder while he examines a baseball; both are wearing home pin stripe uniforms. C. 1970’s – 80’s
‘Never Forgotten’ Pin. Mustard color pin (1 ½” diameter) depicting a black & white publicity photo from the 1920’s of Ruth holding 3 bats, wearing Yankee home pin stripes. Pin reads: ‘Babe Ruth - Never Forgotten’. C. 1970’s – 80’s
2 – ‘Member Baseball Club’ Pins. There are two variations of this (1 ½” diameter) pin, the difference being the type of pin clasp on reverse. The pin itself is an even later version of the ‘30’s’ ‘Quaker Oats’ premium pin (1” diameter size) designed to resemble a baseball with a different black & white photo of Ruth in the center between the red seams with a facsimile signature (one is slightly yellowed). C. 1970’s – 80’s
‘Home Run King’ Pin. Designed to resemble a baseball, this newer pin is 1 ¾” diameter, made to look old and features a black & white head shot photo of the Bambino in the center, between the seams. It is marked: ‘Home Run King – Babe Ruth’. C. 1970’s – 80’s
Over-Size Color Bambino Souvenir Pin. This 6” diameter pin features a ¾ length batting image of Ruth in Yankee pin stripes. Interestingly, there is a cardboard insert backing with a pin clasp that is pre-cut and appears to an easel back stand (no markings). C. 1970’s – 80’s
Babe Ruth Birth Place Pin. Modern day white pin (2 ¼” diameter) from the Babe Ruth Museum with a graphic batter marked: ‘Babe Ruth Birth Place, Baltimore, Maryland’. 1990’s
‘Esso’ Gasoline Premium Pin Back Badge (another on shelf # 4). These were given out by ‘Esso Stations’ as a promotion to those kids who joined the ‘Babe Ruth Boys Club’ as a ‘Charter Member’. The pin awarded is metal (1 ½” diameter), slightly concave and designed to look like a baseball with red & blue stitching and reads: ‘Babe Ruth Boys Club’ and ‘Esso Dealers Stations’. C. 1920’s – 30’s
Contest Premium Pin Back Badge (another on shelf # 4). ‘Esso’ Oil Company sponsored contests to win a Babe Ruth Fielder’s glove, a personally signed baseball or a trip to Babe Ruth Spring Training Camp - then hired Babe Ruth, who was considered larger then life, to shake hands with contest winners and participants. The pin awarded is metal (1 ½” diameter), slightly concave and looks like the side of a baseball with raised red stitching. Ruth’s facsimile signature appears between the seams and reads: ‘This Pin Certifies Babe Ruth Shook My Hand’. Reverse has period style pin clasp. C. 1930’s
3 – Brass Key Rings. Assortment of Yankee/Ruth related key rings.
A. Elongated locker-room style key ring (1 ¼” x 2 ½”) with ‘Ruth # 3
engraved in the center along with ‘Yankee Stadium’ at the top. Lowell
Sigmund, 1976
B. Circular medallion (2” diameter) with an embossed Yankees ‘Top
Hat’ ® logo on the front. Lowell Sigmund, 1978
C. Heavy circular hotel-style key ring (2” diameter) engraved: ‘Babe Ruth 3’
on the front; ‘3’ on reverse . C. 1970’s
27 – Metal Coins/Medallions:
Sterling Commemorative Ingot. .999 pure silver limited edition coin (1” x 2”) limited to a production run of 6000 (un-numbered). The embossed front features a prominent bust image of the Bambino beside a smaller batting image. Reverse has raised crossed bats and ball motif marked: ‘The Babe George Herman Ruth 1895 - 1948’. World Wide Coin Investments Limited. C. 1970’s?
Bronze ‘Legends of Baseball’ First Edition Medallion. This 1 ½” diameter medallion features a concave front with several embossed Ruth batting images by noted cartoonist, Bill Gallo, in addition to a Ruth facsimile signature as well as Gallo’s. Reverse has raised bats & ball design with a lengthy bio on the Babe. 1972
Ruth 714 Bronze Medallion. Limited edition (2500 production run) rectangle coin (1” x 2”) with an impressive high relief image of the Bambino swinging bat (covering the entire front) marked: ‘Babe Ruth 19895 – 1948’. Silver Creations Ltd., American Coin + Stamp Co., Inc. 1973
Whitehead & Hoag Brass Newark News Benefit Medallion. This 1 ¼” diameter coin reads: ‘Issued by the Newark News for the Benefit of The Babe Ruth Foundation Children’s Cancer Fund’ which is written on the reverse. Front features an embossed batting image of the great Bambino marked: ‘George Herman Ruth 1895 – 1948’ in raised lettering along the outer edge. C. 1950’s
Calabro Sterling Commemorative Coin. 1 ½” diameter coin by famed sculptor John Calabro features an embossed profile bust on the front marked: ‘George Herman Ruth 1895 - 1948’ in raised lettering along the outer edge. Reverse features a prominent embossed full-figure batting image surrounded by raised lettering: ‘The Greatest Slugger In Baseball History’ and ‘An Inspiration To American Youth’. National Commemorative Society, 1969
Brass Tribute Medallion. Handsome 2 ½” diameter medallion with a raised relief Bambino bust and facsimile signature on the front; prominent raised batting image on reverse marked: ‘Tribute To The Babe – 714 Lifetime Home Runs’. There is also an embossed Official Babe Ruth Baseball League logo. Medallic Art Co., Danbury, Conn. 1974
‘The Called Shot’ .999 Silver Minted Coin. This concave beauty features an embossed profile bust on the front marked: ‘Babe Ruth’, George Herman Ruth, # 3’ and a Yankees logo all in raised lettering along the outer edge surrounding the profile image. Reverse has an incredible embossed scene of Babe at bat, pointing, with catcher, ump and bleachers behind him labeled: ‘World Series’ and ‘The Called Shot 1932’. Outer rim marked: ‘The Metal Arts Co., Inc., Rochelle, NY’. (no date)
Brass Babe Ruth Museum Contributor Coin. This 1 ½” diameter coin was issued upon entering the Babe Ruth Shrine/Museum which was originally the house that Babe actually grew up in – and just happens to be located down the street from Camden Yards (Baltimore Oriole/the first professional team Ruth played for). The front features an embossed batting image with Babe’s most impressive stats. Reverse has a raised relief image of the building marked: ‘Babe Ruth Birth Place 216 Emory St. Baltimore, Md.’. Mid 1990’s
‘American Sports Greats’ Sterling Coin. This is yet another One Troy OZ. of .999 Fine Silver Ruth coin (1 ½” diameter), with a raised bust of the Bambino, marked: ‘George Herman “Babe” Ruth – 1895 – 1948’. Reverse has a bat & glove with a bio and a scroll plaque marked: ‘American Sports Greats’. (no date)
Rufo Limited Edition Brass Ruth Medallion. Nice circular (2 ½” diameter) medallion (# 1623) with an embossed ¾ profile image on front marked: ‘Babe Ruth 3’. Reverse is a baseball with raised seams marked: ‘Babe Ruth – The Sultan Of Swat’ along with his facsimile signature and a bio between the seams. Rufo, 8/96
2 – Mardi Gras Coins. Two different finishes to this Mardi Gras tribute coin paying homage to the Yankee Hall-of-Fame Outfielder: one is brass, the other has a gold finish on a light-weight alloy. Each is 1 ½” diameter with an embossed batting image of Babe in pin stripes with ‘Yankees’ across his uniform and reads: ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game’ in raised lettering. Reverse features a raised Masonic crest marked: ‘Krewe Of Endymion’ and ‘New Orleans Mardi Gras’. 1967
Silver Mardi Gras Coin. This light-weight silver alloy coin (1 ½” diameter) paying tribute to the Bambino is from the ‘Famous American’ series. The coin features a prominent raised bust image beside a smaller batting image surrounded by Olive Branch décor and a facsimile signature. Reverse features a raised crest (different from above) marked: ‘Krewe Of Jefferson’. 1989
2 – ‘Official Babe Ruth Medal’ Coins. Different finishes to this heavy (1 ½” diameter) coin; one is gold, one silver. Both feature a prominent embossed bust image of Ruth batting with his facsimile signature on front. Reverse had a raised full-figure batting image with a Babe Ruth League logo and reads: ‘The Official 1974 Babe Ruth Baseball Medal’ in raised lettering. 1974
2 – ‘Babe’s Dream’ Commemorative Coins. These brass and silver coins (1 ½” diameter) were issued as commemoratives with the unveiling of the 9 ½’ foot statue of ‘Babe’s Dream’ by sculptor Susan Luery, outside Oriole’s Park at Camden Yards. Like that statue, each coin front portrays a raised image of young Ruth leaning on a bat with his left arm, fielder’s glove hanging from his right hand - with a stadium image in the background (statue actually stands outside center field at the Eutaw St. entrance where most fans enter stadium). Reverse describes the 100th Anniversary of ‘Baltimore’s Native Son’ in raised lettering (incidentally the house Babe grew up in is right down the street and now a Museum). 1995
Gold Republic of Liberia Centennial Coin with Sleeve. Brilliant un-circulated commemorative coin (1 ½” diameter) minted and layered with pure 24-Karat gold by the Republic of Liberia to mark the 100th Anniversary of Babe Ruth’s birth. Front features an embossed bust image marked: ‘Babe Ruth – Sultan Of Swat’ in raised lettering along with his birth and death dates. Reverse had a raised Republic OF Liberia crest. The black leather sleeve contains a bio on Ruth, a first day issue cover (February 6, 1995) bearing the post mark of Baltimore, Maryland – the exact anniversary and site of Babe’s birth and the issue date of the Liberian coin which is inserted, along with four U.S. postage stamps (3 baseball): 3-cent Baseball Centennial (1939), 6-cent Professional Centennial (1969), 20-cent Babe Ruth (1983) and a 4-cent Flag Series (1957). Fleetwood, Cheyenne, Wyoming. 1995
Silver Republic of Liberia Centennial Coin. This 1 ½” diameter commemorative coin design is the same as previous; except this one is one contains ounce of fine silver (no sleeve). 1995
Silver Double Eagle Commemorative Medal. 1 ½” diameter coin depicting the Bambino in a raised batting pose from the waist up (in Yankee pin stripes) labeled: ‘George Herman Ruth’, ‘The babe’ and ‘Sultan of Swat’. Reverse features two raised eagles perched on arrows. National Historic Mint (no date).
‘You Are A True Champion’ Coin. This coin (1 3/8” diameter) features a high relief bust on the front marked: ‘Babe Ruth 1895 – 1948 in raised lettering. Reverse is marked: ‘You Are A True Champion’ in the center and showers the Bambino with more honors along the outer rim. (no date)
2 – ‘Greatest Player of All Time’ Coins. Two different finishes to these metal coins (1 3/8” diameter); one has a gold finish, the other silver. Front depicts a raised bust image marked: ‘George Herman “Babe” Ruth 1914-1935 - Greatest Player of All Time’ around the outer edge. Reverse is marked: ‘Sports Coins Incorporated’. (no date)
3 – The Official Babe Ruth Centennial Prestige Set of Coins with Case. This set holds 3 (1 ½” diameter) coins, each with a different metal finish. Fronts feature a raised bust image marked: ‘Babe Ruth Centennial 1895 – 1948’ in raised lettering. Reverse features an embossed full body batting image in classic ‘Ruthian’ style with a facsimile signature marked: ‘Fathers Of Baseball – 714 Home Runs’ in raised lettering. The black felt hinged case has a cardboard insert with a bio on Ruth and description of each coin with individual plastic protective pockets. 1995
A. Solid Bronze
B. One Troy Oz. .999 Fine silver
C. 24 Karat Gold Layered over nickel-silver
Bronze ‘Fathers Of Baseball’ Centennial Coin with Sleeve. This individual bronze proof collectors-edition coin (1 ½” diameter) is the same as the previous bronze coin above. It has an embossed bust image of the Bambino on front marked: ‘Babe Ruth Centennial 1895 – 1995’. Reverse has a classic embossed batting image marked: ‘714 Home Runs’ and ‘Fathers Of Baseball’. Coin comes mounted in a plastic case with gold type and features a small booklet with a brief bio, and Certificate of Authenticity. 1995
3 – Bambino Belt Buckles. Beautiful limited edition gold-finished pewter buckles each designed and shaped differently with embossed images of the Bambino surrounded by raised and/or etched type. Reverses have a different bio on each highlighting his career. Officially licensed product, American Legends Foundry.
A. Portrait: (# 212 of 10,000), 1993
B. Portrait with Bat: (# 250 of 10,000), 1993
C. Batting Image: 100th Anniversary Commemorative, (# 373 of 10,000).
Reverse has a Ruth facsimile signature signed embossed baseball. 1995
2 – Babe Ruth Door Stops. These hand-painted metal stops (9” tall) are made of recycled materials and depict the Bambino with a bat on shoulder and are mounted on a semi-circular green base. Each is finished differently and weighs about 3 - 4 pounds. Silver store stamp marked: ‘Heritage Metal Craft, made in Maine’ on bottom. 1990’s
A. New York Yankees: White with pinstripes (home uniform).
B. Boston Red Sox: Grey road uniform C. 1910’s style (grey with red trim).
Mini ‘The Sultan Of Swat’ Collectors Plate. Gold-bordered plate (4 ¼” diameter) featuring five different color images of Ruth along with interior and exterior shots of Yankee Stadium in the background. Plate is signed by artist Joseph Catalano (# 433 and limited to a production run of 714). Curtis Management Group and Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1988
‘The Great Bambino’ Tankard. 10” tall limited edition collector’s stein features a pewter-hinged lid with a baseball thumb tab to go along 2 ¼” tall batter trophy on the top. The white porcelain sides have gold-leaf trim framing a colorful mural depiction with three Ruth images and Yankee Stadium in the background (‘The House That Ruth Built’). Comes with a Certificate Of Authenticity (edition # 322 of 3714), in association with Curtis Management Group, Babe Ruth Baseball League, and the Babe Ruth Family, from the Cooperstown Collection. 1993
Baseball Bat Watch Case (watch displayed on shelf # 4). This is a thick mini wood bat (9 ½” long) with the Bambino’s engraved bust image burned on the barrel. The case is hollowed out to house a watch and opens via two swivel brackets. 1990’s
Ruth Bowie Knife Display. Genuine Bowie knife with a surgical steel blade picturing a lazar-etched bust image of the Bambino beside an action shot swinging bat, along with a facsimile signature. Blade is also labeled: ‘George H. ‘Babe’ Ruth 1895 – 1948, Commemorating Rookie Year 1914’. Stained wood stand is 13” long with tier to display knife (blade is 6 ½” long, 11 ½” overall). Frost cutlery, Chattanooga, Tn.. 1995
Babe Ruth Collector’s Knife with Case. Wood-handled folding knife (4 ½” closed) featuring a hand-painted relief sculpture of the Bambino standing atop a baseball embellished with 24-karat gold and engraved with a facsimile signature. Bolster is even accented with 24-karat gold and inset with a green enameled baseball diamond relief bearing Ruth’s uniform number – 3. The stainless blade has a gold facsimile signature (7 ¾” overall) and comes with a black cushioned case. Franklin Mint, Franklin Center, Pa., made in China. 1996
Ruth ‘Cooperstown Collection’ Starting Line Up Figurine in Sealed Pack. This plastic bendable Ruth figure depicts a young Ruth pitching in a grey Boston Red Sox uniform (1914 – 1919). Cardboard package contains a baseball card sealed behind plastic. Kenner, 1993
Cards
Topps Scoop Baseball Card # 41. Off-size horizontal card (2” x 3”) featuring a color drawing of Babe with Yankee Stadium in the background captioned by: ‘Babe Ruth Sets Record – September 30, 1927’. Reverse has a newspaper headline: ‘Babe Hits Sixty’ from the ‘Chicago Daily Sun-Times’ with a drawing of Ruth and description of the event. Topps Co. 1954
Topps ‘Greatest Sports Hero’ Baseball Card (# 143). Babe was honored with a 10-card subset highlighting his illustrious career in their regular issued card set. Topps Co. 1962
Topps Valentine Foldee Babe Ruth # 34. Red triple folding card (from the 55 card set) picturing the Bambino’s image in the center under the title: ‘You’re a Champ Like’... (2 ½” x 4 5/8”). Topps Co. 1963
Rold Gold/Kellogg’s ‘All-Time Greats’ 3-D Baseball Card. Rare prototype set (# 14 of 15) issued two years prior to the Kellogg’s ‘All-Time Greats’ set in 72’. The blue-bordered card features an image of the bambino batting (different image from card # 6) with a facsimile signature across his chest and Yankee Stadium in the background marked: ‘Greatest Right Fielder’. Reverse has a bio and career highlights. Xograph®, MLB Promo Corp. 1970
Babe Ruth Playing Card. This ‘Ace of spades’ features a color portrait drawing of an older Bambino on the reverse in a Yankee uniform. The U.S. Playing card Co., Cincinnati. 1973
Topps Baseball Card # 345 (from the 660 card set). Topps Co. 1976
Sports Immortals Card # 1. Color front features a picture of the Bambino from the cover of the Bantom soft cover edition of: ‘Babe Ruth – The Real Story Of The King Of Swat’ by Tom Meany (hard cover: Grosset & Dunlap, Inc., NY. 1951). Reverse features a bio on Ruth’s career. C. 1980’s
Babe Ruth First Day Issue Silk Cachet with 20-Cent Stamp. Small envelope (3 ½” x 6 ½”) issued on the very day the US Post Office unveiled the new 20-cent Babe Ruth stamp in his honor. The cachet features a beautiful gold-bordered image (2 ½” x 3”) of the classic Bambino swing (color version of stamp), with ten former player autographs. Post marked July 6, 1983
‘The Called Shot’ Card. this color card by artist Brent Benger (came with the collector’s plate of the same title – displayed on shelf # 4) features a drawing reenactment of the Bambino’s legendary Home Run in the ‘32’ World Series. Reverse features a long bio on Ruth. Delphi Brandex # 84-D19-19.1. 1992
Silver Metallic ‘Sultan of Swat’ Baseball Card. Limited edition card (# 2,122 of 5,000) pictures the Bambino in his classic ‘Ruthian’ swing. Family of babe Ruth and the Babe Ruth Baseball League Inc. 1994
Post Card. Un-stamped color card featuring an original painting titled: ‘Babe Ruth’ by noted sports artist, Arthur K Miller. The Art Asylum. C. 1990’s
Shelf 4 – (161 Total Items) Stadium souvenir pins/ pin backs
Bambino Tapestry. This is an incredible multi-colored and detailed needle-point (15” x 18”) with a cranberry border depicting a prominent sewn image of a classic Bambino swinging the bat in the foreground with Yankee Stadium and full tiered stands in the background. C. 1950’s?
Ruth ‘5-Cent Diamond Dust’ Punch Board. This fully-intact cross-collectible lottery gambling device from the ‘Roaring Twenties’ is an earlier version then the two different punch boards displayed on shelf # 2.
Place a nickel on the bar, punch a hole and pull out a star player’s name to win $1 (20 – 1 return). Interestingly, the players were not compensated for the use of their images. Made of multi-layered cardboard bound on all four sides (5” x 7 ¾” x 7/8” thick); top section pictures 19 different player photographs each with a different number on chest (Ruth # 462). Most are Hall-of-Famer’s: Walter Johnson, Grover Alexander, Tris Speaker, Herb Pennock, et.al. Bottom has 40 sections of 10 un-punched foil holes each (400 total chances); the holes are effected by a designed ‘punch key’ still intact on the rear. As an additional incentive, the last punch in each section automatically received $1. Reverse has several paper labels. 1920’s
Ruth’s Base Ball Game. This early hand-held dexterity game is known as an association piece because the manufacturer was able to capitalize on Babe Ruth’s fame - without having to pay out royalties. Tin framed game with a glass front (3 ½” x 4 ½”) features a colorful cardboard baseball diamond playing field with four pegs mounted on top of each base. The object of the game is to maneuver each of the four rubber discs (one is cracked), one at a time, onto the pegs (instructions on reverse). Patented, James R. Irvin & Co., Inc., Chicago. C. 1930’s
‘King of Swat’ 8mm Castle Film in Original Box. These silent movies were produced for both 8mm and 16mm projectors. It stars: ‘The Immortal Babe Ruth’ in ‘Perfect Control’ and is housed in a blue box (5 ¼” x 5 ¼”) with an image of Ruth batting (# 3 on jersey) superimposed over Yankee Stadium with jam-packed bleachers. United World Films, Inc. C. 1940’s
‘King of Swat’ 8mm Castle Film in Original Box. This silent movie version stars: ‘The Immortal Babe Ruth’ in ‘Slide Babe, Slide’ and is housed in a green box (5 ¼” x 5 ¼”) with the same Ruth batting image superimposed over a packed Yankee Stadium. United World Films, Inc. C. 1940’s
‘King of Swat’ Mini 8mm Castle Film in Original Box. This is a 3” x 3” mini version of ‘The Immortal Babe Ruth’ in ‘Slide Babe, Slide’ and is housed in a green box (same image on front as above). C. 1940’s
2 – NY Yankees Miniature Pennants. Tiny felt pennants (2 ¾” long); one is navy blue labeled: ‘Yankees’ in gold type. The other is red with ‘Yankees’ spelled out in white. C. 1930’s
Figural Statues:
Wickham Hand-Painted Porcelain Statue. This limited edition hand-cast statue features a 6 ½” tall bust of the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes, with a facsimile signature of the sculptor on Babe’s back. Statue is mounted on a solid walnut base labeled: ‘Babe Ruth’ on a brass name plate (# 99 of 250). Carole Wickham, USA. 1990
Hartland Figural Statue with Box. These early hand-painted injection-molded statues are hollow, made of hard plastic acetate and became a huge success among collectors and baseball enthusiasts due to the likeness of their childhood heroes. This 7 ½” tall statue depicts the Bambino leaning on a bat in Yankee pin stripes, pointing (reminiscent of the ‘Called Shot’ in the ‘32’ World Series). Box is faded and partially torn. Hartland Plastics. C. 1958 – 62
2 – Hall of Fame Busts (one with original box). These 6” tall plastic busts feature an off-white bust statue of the Bambino mounted on an imitation plastic wood base. Displayed upon the base is a plaque with a small bio listing Ruth’s career highlights. One is displayed in its original attractive box which is red & gold with white columns surrounding the player, which is visible inside. Reverse features portrait images of the players offered in the set. Produced by Sports ‘Hall of Fame’, Inc and originally sold in Cooperstown, NY. 1963
Dallas Hartland Figural Statue with Box. This 7 ½” limited edition hand-painted statue is made of hard plastic and is from the exact same mold as its predecessor listed above. This figurine features the Bambino wearing a grey (road) uniform. C. 1988
4 – Plastic PVC Babe Ruth Statues (3 sealed). Ruth is featured here in a grey road uniform, bat on shoulder, pointing (in reference to the ‘Called Shot’ in the 1932 World Series off Cub pitcher, Charley Root). The plastic figure’s are 4” tall and mounted on a 2” diameter base with a Yankees ‘NY’ logo (3 of the 4 statues are factory sealed with hang tags). The Babe Ruth Estate and Sports Impressions, made in China. 1992
2 – Pewter ‘Signature Miniatures’ Statues. Fragile 4” tall pewter sculpted die-cast figures of the Bambino (depicting the ‘Called Shot’) with his name written on the base. One of the figures has a gold wash finish. Metallic Creations, USA. 1979
Hand-Painted Batter Trophy. This is a 6” tall modern gold-plated trophy featuring a left-handed batter, expertly finished in a Yankee road (grey) uniform. Figure is mounted on a white marble base (2 ½” x 3 ½”) with ‘Babe Ruth’ engraved on the front plaque. 1980’s
‘Golden Era’ Bobbin Head/Nodder Figurine. This limited edition ceramic figurine is 7 ½” tall from the ‘Hall-of-Fame Series’. The statue depicts Ruth with an over-sized head wearing Yankee pin stripes holding a bat, with a facsimile signature on the front of a white square base. It comes with a neck tag printed with Ruth’s facsimile signature, the limited edition number and original box. Created by Pat Flynn of Mankato, Minn. Nodders Inc., USA. 1990
SAM Bobbin Head/Nodder Figurine. Nicely crafted and detailed limited edition ceramic figure of the Bambino features an over-sized head (different from above) in Yankee pin stripes leaning on a bat, with his name written on front of a square red base. Figure is approximately 8 ½” tall and comes with original box, neck protector, and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Sports Accessories & Memorabilia, Menlo Park, Ca. Crafted in Taiwan. 1992
Babe Ruth Hand-Painted Porcelain Figurine. This limited edition statue (# 525 of 5000) depicts the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes swinging a bat. Statue is mounted on a 2 ½” x 4 ½” base made of the same material, with a facsimile signature and rests on a stained wood base. Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1987
2 – ‘Sultan of Swat’ Porcelain Figurines. These limited edition statues are 7” tall and feature the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes after a ‘Ruthian’ swing – watching his ball sail over the fence. The figures are hand-painted and mounted on a 2 ¾” x 4 ¼” base made of the same material, have a facsimile signature and rest on a stained wood base. Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1988
A. White with blue pin stripes (Home): # 439 of 714
B. Grey Uniform (Road): # 440 of 714
2 – Mini Porcelain Hand-Painted Figurines. Well-detailed statues (approx. 5” tall) from the ‘Members Only’ series featuring the Bambino wearing a Yankees cap, swinging a bat; both are mounted on a base of the same material and have a facsimile signature on the front plaque. The bat is made of wood, removable and has two rings above the handle. Sports Impressions, made in Thailand. 1992
A. White Pin stripes (Home) mounted on a tan and green base.
B. Grey road uniform mounted on a brown base.
Red Sox Pitcher Mini Porcelain Figurine. Limited edition statue (# 320 of 2,950) featuring young Babe in a Boston uniform (grey with red trim) as a pitcher. Statue is mounted on a textured base of the same material, with a facsimile signature on front, in addition to his career pitching record (94 wins, 46 loses), all of which rests on a stained wood base. Sports Impressions, made in Thailand. 1993
4 –Starting Line-Up Plastic Figurines. Starting Lineups (abbreviated SLU’s) were a line of collectible sports figurines produced by the American toy company Kenner, from 1988-2001. Each pose-able action figure is a 4” – 5” likeness of the Bambino (similar in style to the ‘Transogram’ figures of 1969-70 in Cabinet # 5, shelf # 2). Licensed by Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). Kenner, Cincinnati, Ohio, made in China.
A. Yankees: Babe with bat, Grey (Road) uniform, 1989
B. Yankees: Babe with bat, White (Home) uniform, 1989
C. Boston Red Sox: Pitching, Grey uniform, 1993
D. Sealed Figurine: Yankee Grey uniform with bat, pointing, Cooperstown
Collection, 1995
Limited Edition Salvino Figurine. This ceramic statue features Babe in a Yankee road uniform the moment after swinging a bat, with wild eyes admiring his shot. Figure stands 7” tall, has a removable wood ‘Louisville Slugger’ bat and is mounted on a ceramic home plate base with pegs under the feet. Gold sticker on under base marked: # 2,499 of 10,000. Salvino Inc., Corona, Ca. Made in Mexico. 1996
Rawlings ‘Babe Ruth League’ Baseball. This is an official league ball with a cushioned cork center made in Haiti. It is housed in a clear plastic case with a round gold base by PPK from the 90’s. Ball is C. 1960’s
Jewelry:
Sterling Engraved Hat Pin. This is a woman’s hat pin from the ‘Roaring Twenties’ that features a small, well-detailed bat (1 ½” long) with a textured handle, label and a facsimile engraved signature of the Bambino on the barrel. Bat is mounted on the end of a 7 ½” long pin. C. 1920’s
Silver ‘Big Leaguer’ Bat Lighter with Case. Metal bat-shaped cigarette lighter (3 ½” long) with a textured handle and an engraved Babe Ruth facsimile signature on the barrel (bottom of knob engraved: ‘The Big Leaguer’). Bat lighter comes with a small, felt-lined leather case with a snap front and stainless ends. C. 1940’s
Tie Bar/Cap Charm. This small silver bat is 1 ¾” in length with a textured handle and has a facsimile signature of Babe Ruth across the barrel. Reverse has a clasp, and a dangling baseball cap. Cap appears to be sterling with bill underside engraved: ‘925’. C. 1920’s – 30’s
Bat & Ball Key Ring/Chain. This small silver bat (1 ¾”) has a facsimile signature of Babe Ruth on the barrel is attached to silver baseball with engraved seams. Bat & ball are attached to a silver chain and ring. C. 1920’s – 40’s
Ruth Belt Buckle. This little silver gem (1” x 2”) is a child’s buckle and features an embossed bust image of Ruth wearing a Yankee cap, with his facsimile signature, amid a crossed bats and ball theme. Marked: ‘Harris Belts’. C. 1930’s
Brass Babe Ruth Champions’ Pin. This small 7/8” diameter pin was issued upon Ruth’s trade to the Boston Braves in ‘35’ at the end of his career and depicts a raised relief bust image of him wearing a ‘B’ on his cap, marked: ‘Babe Ruth Champions’ in raised lettering. Period pin clasp on reverse. C. 1935
‘Esso’ Gasoline Premium Pin Back Badge (1 more on shelf # 3). These were given out by ‘Esso Stations’ as a promotion to those kids who joined the ‘Babe Ruth Boys Club’ as a ‘Charter Member’. The pin awarded is metal (1 ½” diameter), slightly concave and designed to look like a baseball with red & blue seams labeled: ‘Babe Ruth Boys Club’ and ‘Esso Dealers Stations’. C. 1920’s – 30’s
Contest Premium Pin Back Badge (1 more on shelf # 3). ‘Esso’ Oil Company sponsored contests to win a Babe Ruth Fielder’s glove, a personally signed baseball or a trip to Babe Ruth Spring Training Camp - then hired Babe Ruth, who was considered larger then life, to shake hands with contest winners and participants. The pin awarded is metal (1 ½” diameter), slightly concave and looks like the side of a baseball with raised red seams. Ruth’s facsimile signature appears between the seams and reads: ‘This Pin Certifies Babe Ruth Shook My Hand’. Reverse has period style pin clasp. C. 1930’s
Gold-Plated Locket. Oval locket (1 ½” x 2”) with chain loop and chain engraved: ‘In Memory of Babe Ruth – August 16, 1948’. Locket opens to reveal two small picture frames. C. Late 1940’s – 50’s
Brass Babe Ruth Foundation Medallion. Front of this 1” diameter medal features a raised relief image of the Bambino swinging a bat marked: ‘Babe Ruth Foundation Sportsmanship Award’ along outer edge. The foundation was established shortly after Babe’s death. Reverse honors the Bambino in raised lettering. C. 1950’s
New York Yankees Charm Bracelet. 7” long inter-locking silver clasped chain with a dangling bat, ball and letters spelling out ‘YANKEES’. 1950’s
2 – All-Star Game 50th Anniversary Souvenir Pennies. Flattened copper pennies from the ‘83’ All-Star game at Chicago’s Comiskey Park honoring Babe Ruth from the original All-Star game which debuted in the midst of the ‘Great Depression’ on July 6, 1933, also at Comiskey Park. In that very first game Babe inaugurated it with the games first official home run in the 3rd inning. These pennies feature a raised batter image with a stadium in the background, marked: ‘Babe Ruth, Sultan Of Swat’, July 6, 1983
Bronze Limited Edition Medallion. This 3” diameter high relief medallion of the Bambino is meticulously sculpted (originally from wood) by master sculptor Armand LaMontagne. Front depicts a large bust image of Babe in a Yankees cap with facsimile signature, # 3 and LaMontagne’s facsimile signature. Reverse is designed to be a baseball with info on the Babe in raised lettering and another LaMontagne facsimile signature. Medallion is edge-marked (# 0767 of 2500), comes with a COA, and is displayed on its own brass stand. Legends ™. Mid 1990’s
Babe Ruth ‘Quaker Oats’ Premium Score Keeper. This scarce celluloid novelty mail-in was only distributed as a cereal premium and facilitated tracking a games progress in handy fashion, designed to be fastened to a fan’s watch fob by means of a slotted, protruding tab. Scorer is 1 ¾” diameter and features a dominating black & white head shot of Ruth grinning, with a ‘B’ on his cap, following the Bambino’s departure from the Yankees late in the campaign, his last and subsequent employment with the Boston Braves. Outer edges have five thumb-wheel dials enabling the operator to record: ‘Home’ and ‘Visitors’ Balls, Strikes, and Innings. Reverse has colorful playing field game scene and still retains the original leather strap. Parisian Novelty Co., Chicago. 1935
Novelty Rings – This is another cross-over collectible popular with ring collectors as well as baseball enthusiasts. It is fitting that Babe Ruth, the most famous player in baseball history, was the first to be honored with a sports ring. Beginning in 1934, Babe’s final season with the New York Yankees, Muffets Whole Wheat Biscuits, made by Quaker, featured Babe’s smiling face in all of its advertising - which had Ruth offering free baseball gifts in exchange for box panels from the cereal. Among the gifts were baseballs, baseball caps, watch fobs, charm bracelets, and of course, the ring. In the ad which featured large window displays, Ruth said: "You can have these swell baseball gifts absolutely FREE. Just pick out the ones you want and send me the coupon below with box panels from Muffets Whole Wheat Biscuits. Don’t wait. ACT NOW!"
The promotion obviously worked very well for Muffets - since the company continued offering the gifts in 1935 and 1936. So well, in fact, that other Quaker companies such as Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice began offering the ring and other baseball gifts with box tops from its cereals.
Brass ‘Baseball Club’ Premium Ring. Described in ‘Babe’s Big Book’ as gold-plated, the design features a baseball in high relief, with engraved seams on the front. The sides feature embossed crossed bats and baseball gloves motif; one a fielders glove, the other a catcher’s mitt. The adjustable shank ring was billed as: ‘fits every finger’ and purchased with just two box tops. 1934 – 35
Brass Cereal Premium Ring. This rare beauty also has an expandable band and features a catcher mask front in raised relief. The sides have crossed bats and ball motif. C. 1934 – 35
4 – ‘Kellogg’s Cereal Premium Rings. These colorful hard plastic novelty rings were issued by ‘Kellogg’s Raisin Bran’ after the success of competing brands, enticing children to chase this premium set as it offered images of famous actors, actresses and sports figures; Babe Ruth being the only baseball player. Each ring has the ‘Bambino’s’ image (a drawing of Ruth swinging a bat inset in a ½” circle from the waist up), wearing Yankee pin stripes, with his name across the bottom. The Color image is very fragile and flakes easily. The Ring itself is open, and about ¾” diameter, identical, one to another, except for colors; blue, red, yellow, and varying background shades. 1949
Brass NY Yankees Logo Ring with Glove & Ball Charm. This is an expandable metal ring (one-size-fits-all) featuring a laminated color ‘Top Hat’ logo. Attached to the ring via a small chain are two gum ball charms; one is a brass fielder’s glove, the other a baseball. Ring is C. 1970’s, charms C. 1950’s
Charms:
3 – Ruth Key Chain Charms. These charms were sold in the familiar plastic capsules that were dispensed from coin-operated vending machines located in and outside of candy stores - enticing kids with the black & white photo images of their favorite ball players. The frames are made of plastic, come in various colors (blue, brown, copper, clear) and shapes (rectangle, circular, octagonal) and have a plastic top loop for the key chain insertion or to be hung from a bracelet. The charms offered here depict three different head shots of the Bambino. ¾” x 5/8”. C. 1950
Key Chain Charm. Clear plastic sleeve with a chain at the top housing a black & white head shot image of the Bambino above his printed name. These charms were vended from gum ball machines and housed many different players. C. 1950
Wood Nickel. Front depicts a burned image of the Bambino above his name and reads: ‘The-Pride-Of-Baltimore-MD – George Herman Ruth’. Reverse pictures a buffalo in the center labeled: ‘United States Of America Wooden Nickel’. 1 ½” diameter. C. 1970’s
Wooden Advertising Disk. This 1 ½” diameter ‘Babe Ruth Contest’ disk features a burned head shot image of the Bambino in the center (different from above) with his name and is marked: ‘Booth 637’. Reverse marked: ‘Non Tox Chemical Co.’ and ‘Graphics ‘78’. Apparently this particular company sponsored a Babe Ruth Contest at a convention. 1978
Ruth Photo in Plastic Picture Frame. Black & white photo of the Bambino housed in a 2” square frame by ‘Deeseplay’. Pat. Pend. C. 1970’s – 80’s
Pewter Key Ring. This neat little key chain features an engraved pewter version of the 1983 Babe Ruth 20-cent USPS stamp (1 ½” x 1 ¾”). C. 1983
Plastic Key Ring with ‘Mr. Ruth’ Picture. Small sealed plastic frame with key ring at top contains a mini color photograph (1 ¼” x 2”) of an original portrait painting of an older Ruth (in Yankee uniform) by noted sports artist, Arthur K Miller. 1990’s
Knives:
5 – Baseball Bat Pocket Knives with Chain Loops (all different). These small decorative Babe Ruth endorsed knives are made of bakelite, crafted in the shape of a bat, with Babe’s facsimile signature engraved on one side beside a baseball. Each is unique with several different color patterns (2 ½” long, 4 ½” open); 3 have double blades, 2 have single blades (blades marked ‘Camillus Cutlery Co. N.Y.) all with a metal loop at one end for key chain attachment. C. 1920’s – 30’s
‘60 Home Runs’ Pocket Knife /Key Ring. Bleached wood bat-shaped handle labeled: ‘Babe Ruth – 1927, 60 Home Runs – Souvenir’. Handle has a metal clasp and chain on butt end with a 5/8” bakelite baseball charm. Blade 1 ¾” (4 ¼” open) marked: ‘Colonial Prov. USA. C. 1950’s
Wood-Grained Baseball Bat Pocket Knife. This brown single-bladed bat-shaped knife features a ‘Babe Ruth’ facsimile signature beside a baseball on one side. Blade is 4” closed, 6 ½” overall, Camilus Cutlry Co., NY. C. 1930’s
Babe Ruth Commemorative Knife with Box. Smooth white bone-handled limited edition knife paying tribute to the Bambino (# 272 of 5,000). Handle is hand-painted by nationally renowned artist O.D. Bush and features a head shot beside a batting image with a facsimile autograph and is marked: ‘Sultan of Swat’. Knife has a nickel silver bolster with a highly polished single surgical steel blade. Comes with a C.O.A. (Certificate of Authenticity) and a cushioned display box (3 ½”, 6 ½” overall). Frost Cutlery Company. 1988
Babe Ruth Pocket Knife with Wood Case. Beautiful ivory handled knife features a color image of the Bambino batting on one side with a facsimile signature. Knife is from the ‘Baseball Immortals Collectors Edition’ by Frost Cutlery and has a surgical steel blade marked: ‘George Herman Ruth 1895-1948 714 Career Home Runs’. It comes with a brown case (shared with Cobb in Babe Ruth cabinet, shelf # 1). Blade is 3”, 6 ¾” overall, Frost cutlery, USA. 1990’s
Case XX Collector Knife with Music Box Display. Double-bladed Trapper knife (4 ¼” closed) with full custom color imprinted blades and red textured handle. One blade features a Ruth bust beside a red facsimile signature; the other reads: ‘George Herman Ruth 1895-1948, 714 Home Runs’. The custom built Walnut display box has a papered inner label and a push button that plays: ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ in addition to a paper insert with Babe’s bio. Case, USA. 1990’s
Limited Edition Bear Hunter Knife. White bone-handled knife commemorating Babe’s rookie year features a head shot beside a batting image, print labeled in red reads: ‘George H. “Babe” Ruth, 1895-1948, Commemorating Rookie Year 1914’. Nickel silver bolster engraved: # 045, Solingen stainless steel blade (3 ¼”, 7” overall). Bear Hunter. 1990’s
Sultan of Swat Novelty Knife. This is a white single-bladed knife with a poly/acrylic handle that features a blue image and type. One side features a bust image of Babe beside a batting image and facsimile signature and reads: ‘Sultan of Swat’. Blade marked: ‘Flying Falcon’ (2 ¾” long, 6” fully open). 1990’s
Nostalgia Picture Pen Knife. This novelty knife is reminiscent of the ‘40’s - ‘50’s picture-handle knives and features the Bambino batting with his name, a smaller inset head shot drawing and # 3 - in a green sealed acrylic handle with a single carbon steel blade. Reverse is solid black (3 ½” closed, 6” overall). Novelty Knife Co., USA. 1990’s
3 – Zippo Baseball Stamp Souvenirs. Clever concept featuring three different pieces each laminated with authentic Babe Ruth 20-Cent USPS stamps from 1983 featuring a classic ‘Ruthian’ swing (all stamps appear to be cancelled). Zippo, Bradford. Pa. C. 1980’s – 90’s
A. Lock Blade Knife: Single stainless blade with 3 stamps.
B. Money Clip/Knife: Stainless knife, scissors and nail file, with 2 stamps.
C. Cigarette Lighter: Black Matte Zippo with one stamp.
Watches:
Novelty Pocket Watch with Chain. This 1 ¾” diameter baseball face features a black & white head shot of Babe sandwiched between his facsimile autograph and is also labeled: ‘Sultan of Swat’. C 1950’s – 70’s
Wrist Watch with Baseball Case. This original watch features a color image of the Bambino holding two bats with a facsimile signature across the chest, surrounded by a baseball diamond. Watch comes with a reddish leather band and the original plastic baseball case that separates in half at the seams. Case has raised red seams and reads: ‘Official Babe Ruth (facsimile signature) Wrist Watch, Sports Watch of Champions’. By Exacta Time Corp. 1948
Souvenir Wrist Watch. This is a later Canadian version of the same previously mentioned watch, with a light green face, facsimile signature, gold base metal case and comes with a green leather alligator band. C. 1950’s – 70’s
Musical Novelty Wrist Watch. Gold-plated watch with a prominent black & white photo of Babe swinging bat with a facsimile signature. Watch is supposed to play: ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ (not working) and comes with a genuine light brown leather wrist band. Valdawn, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, made in China. 1994
Art Watch. This gold-plated watch features nice color photo of Babe posing with bat on shoulder beside a facsimile signature and near empty bleachers in background (1920’s publicity photo). It has a stainless steel back, Japanese movement and comes with a genuine light brown leather wrist band. VP Art. Mid 90’s
Waltham Wrist Watch with Store Tag. This beauty has a 1 ½” diameter brass face with a prominent black & white photo in the center of the Bambino swinging a bat above his facsimile signature, and shows fans in the bleachers behind him (1920’s publicity shot because he’s looking into camera). Watch has a stainless steel back with a quality Japanese movement and comes with a genuine brown leather wrist band with Babe’s burned facsimile signature. The 100th Anniversary store tag has Babe’s facsimile signature and personal information (watch is companion piece with bat case on shelf # 2). Waltham & Curtis Management. 1995
100th Anniversary Wrist Watch. This Waltham watch has a silver face with Roman Numerals and a prominent black & white photo of Babe swinging bat (in classic ‘Ruthian’ pose) from live game action. The image shows fans visible in the bleachers; watch has a stainless steel back with a quality Japanese movement and comes with a genuine black leather band. Watch face is 1 ¼” diameter. Waltham & Curtis Management. 1995
Novelty Wrist Watch. Gold-plated watch (1 ¼” diameter) with a brown sepia-tone like face features a head shot photo of Babe beside his printed name. The casing is stainless steel with a brown, alligator-style, leather band. China. C. 1980’s – 90’s?
Mini Bats:
‘Babe’s Musical Bat’ Souvenir Harmonica. Mini bat-shaped wood instrument (3 ¾” long) that really plays, with an obvious reference to the ‘Bambino’. Marked: ‘Pat. Appd. For, Germany’. 1930’s
Mini Louisville Slugger Replica Bat. Babe’s bat, only this one is 4 ½” long and features a ‘George “Babe” Ruth’ facsimile Trade Mark signature on the barrel along with a Louisville Slugger label. Marked: Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. C. 1980’s – 90’s
Refillable Babe Bat Pen. This wood pen is 6” long with a burned: ‘Babe Ruth’ facsimile signature on the barrel; label is marked: ‘Repubat’. A removable handle slides off to reveal the ball point which is held in place by a 1 ¼” long gold neck which screws into the shaft and holds the refill in place (uses standard pen refills). 1990’s
Pen/Pencils:
‘Depression Era’ Fountain pen. Blue plastic pen with a screw on top featuring a small ¼” diameter baseball on the top with silver pocket clip engraved with Babe Ruth’s facsimile signature. Manufactured by ‘Pato’. C. 1930’s
Babe Ruth League Advertising Pen. Black plastic clicker pen (5 ¼” long) featuring a large enameled ½” diameter red-seamed baseball clicker on top with a silver pocket clip. Shaft reads: ‘I Helped A Boy Play “Babe Ruth” Baseball’. Ritepoint, USA. C. 1960’s
Vintage World Champions Pen & Pencil Set with Original Shipping Box. Wood bat-shaped ink pen & matching mechanical pencil (6” long) identically marked: ‘New York Yankees’ with an ‘NY’ logo on the ‘sweet spot’ and ‘World Champions’ on the label. Could this set be from the year of Babe’s ‘Called Shot’? Pen comes with a replacement tip and is packaged in an aged red cardboard box with a postal label marked: ‘P. O. Box 2500, Paterson, N.J.’. C. 1930’s – 40’s
Mechanical ‘Louisville Slugger’ Lead Pencil. Yellow plastic bat-shaped pencil (5 ½” long) featuring a Babe Ruth facsimile signature on the barrel with a ‘Hillerich & Bradsby’ label; these were sold at Yankee Stadium concession stands. C. 1960’s – 70’s
4 – Souvenir Pencil Clips. These celluloid clips are new, made in the likeness of the Cleveland Indian clips from the late 40’s. They are 7/8” diameter and feature Babe Ruth photos (same photo as two of his ‘30’s memorabilia pins). C. 1980’s
2 – Black & White 1935 Boston Braves marked: ‘Babe Ruth Champions’ pin.
2 – Yellow border clip with head shot marked: ‘New York Yankees - Babe
Ruth’.
2 – Babe Ruth Pencil Erasers. Pair of unused white erasers (1 ¼” x 2 ½”) marked: ‘Babe Ruth Birthplace # 3’ in blue type. Mid 1990’s
2 – Mardi Gras Coins. Light-weight alloy coins (1 ½” diameter) paying tribute to the Bambino from the ‘Famous American’ series; one red, one blue. Coin features a prominent raised bust image beside a smaller batting image surrounded by Olive Branch décor and a facsimile signature. Reverse features a raised crest marked: ‘Krewe Of Jefferson’. 1989
2 – Souvenir Pins.
A. Babe Ruth League: Tiny multi-color pin (approx. ½” diameter) of the
same basic design as the Babe Ruth League patches on shelf # 1.
Reverse has a screw clasp. C. 1970 – 80’s
B. Babe Ruth Museum: Round metal pin (7/8” diameter) featuring a baseball
center with gold-leaf seams and Babe’s facsimile signature. Blue outer
rim reads: ‘Babe Ruth Museum, Baltimore, Maryland’. Reverse has push
pin back marked: ‘Gift Creations, Taiwan’. 1995
100th Anniversary Crystal Baseball Paper Weight. This Baccarat crystal ball (slightly smaller then regulation) features raised seams with a gold leaf image of the Bambino batting beside his facsimile signature. 1995
2 – Red Rock Cola Commemorative Soda Cans. These empty red 12 FL. OZ. cans feature a drawing on both sides of the Bambino batting (labeled Babe Ruth on his cap) inside a baseball proclaiming: ‘It’s The Finest Cola Drink I Ever Tasted’. American West Breweries, Inc., Kennesaw, Ga. 1995
‘Hall of Fame Cola’ Can. Empty white can (12 FL. OZ.) featuring a ‘30’s Babe Ruth ‘Goudey’ baseball card image (# 149) for ‘Big League Chewing Gum’ on one side. Reverse features the back of that card which is a bio on Babe. Hall of Fame Cola, Orangevale, Ca. Mid 1990’s
Red Rock Cola Pop Bottle. Un-opened 100th Anniversary issued bottle (10 FL. OZ.) from the ‘Collector Series’ (1 of 2,500). One side features a colorful Red Rock label drawing of the Bambino batting (inside a baseball) with a facsimile signature on his cap, proclaiming: ‘It’s The Finest Cola Drink I Ever Tasted’. Other side features a ‘Babe Ruth’ 100th Anniversary label. American West Breweries, Inc., Kennesaw, Ga. 1995
Baseball Legends Tin. Colorful empty card tin (4” square x 3 ¼” tall) with decorative baseball motif featuring black & white photos from actual baseball cards; the Bambino is on one side, Mays, Clemente and Ted Williams on the others. Top has a baseball diamond marked: ‘Baseball Legends’. C. Late 1980’s
‘The Called Shot’ Collectors Plate. Beautiful limited edition ceramic plate by acclaimed artist Brent Benger (# 16448I) is the first issue from ‘The Legends of Baseball’ collection. The 8 ¼” diameter plate has a 22-karat gold-bordered rim and features the Bambino watching a moment after hitting the legendary home run during the ‘32’ World Series in Wrigley Field. An incredibly-detailed background shows teammates watching from the dugout with red/white/blue bunting draped over the stands and fans dressed in period clothes during the ‘Great Depression’. Delphi Brandex # 84-D19-19.1. 1992
Hallmark Souvenir Ornament. This 3” diameter ornament of the Yankee Hall-of-Fame Right Fielder is the first in the ‘Baseball Heroes Series’ offered by the company. It features a white plastic batting relief over a textured baseball diamond background, with Ruth’s name printed on a plaque, and comes with a hang loop at top. Reverse has a brief bio. Hallmark Cards, Inc. 1994
3 – Pewter Belt Buckles (gold versions on shelf # 3). Limited edition buckles designed and shaped differently; each features embossed images of the Bambino surrounded by raised and/or etched type. Reverse of each has a different bio highlighting his career. Officially licensed product, American Legends Foundry.
A. Portrait: (# 218 of 10,000), 1993
B. Portrait with Bat: (# 257 of 10,000), 1993
C. Batting Image: 100th Anniversary Commemorative, (# 308 of 10,000).
Reverse has a Ruth facsimile signature signed embossed baseball. 1995
5 – Hand-painted Bottle Caps. Incredible workmanship on these numbered caps (1 - 5), each one featuring a different multi-colored image of the great Bambino (from wire photos during his remarkable career). Painted by sports artist Doug Brewer. 1996
‘36 Dodge Commemorative Coin Bank. Limited edition metal vehicle bank (1:25 scale model) commemorating Ruth’s 714 career home runs. Car is red, white & blue with white wall tires and features 6 Ruth-related decals; ‘Sultan of Swat, 714 Home Runs’, etc.. It also has a gold front grill and rear bumper with two license plates, one labeled: ‘714’. Coin slot in accessed through rear panel doors, key for the trap is attached underneath. Car is numbered, limited to a production run of 2,500 and comes with Certificate of Authenticity (6 ¾” in length). Made by Liberty Classics, Libertyville, IL., made in China. 1995
’36 Dodge Commemorative Coin Bank. Limited edition metal vehicle bank (1:25 scale model) commemorating Ruth’s 60 Home Run Season in 1927. Car is cream, with green sides, black running boards, white wall tires and features a gold front grill & rear bumper with license plate labrled ‘60’ and 8 other Ruth-related decals. Coin slot in accessed through rear panel doors, key for the trap is attached underneath. Car is numbered, limited to a production run of 2,500 and comes with Certificate of Authenticity (6 ¾” in length). Made by Liberty Classics, Libertyville, IL., made in China. 1995
Limited edition Kenworth T-600 Tractor Trailer. 100th Anniversary commemorative 1:64 scale model truck (12” long) limited to a production run of just 1,000. The blue metal cab has a gold chassis and features a Ruth facsimile signature on the roof and 100th anniversary decals on the side doors with a fire racing stripe on the hood. Trailer door actually opens and both sides feature a drawing of the Bambino marked: ‘Babe Ruth – An American Legend - 1895 - 1995’. ‘Rooftop resume’ lists his top career statistics. White Rose Collectibles, made in China. 1995
’57 Ford Convertible Coin Bank. Limited edition 1:25 scale model vehicle bank featuring the Bambino riding in the passenger seat of a convertible beside Santa Claus with the rag top down. Replica car is aqua and red, with white wall tires and features five Ruth-related decals, including a facsimile signature on the hood, and baseball equipment on the back seat. Trunk lifts to access the coin slot; key for the trap is attached underneath. Car is numbered, limited to a production run of 2,500 and comes with Certificate of Authenticity (6 ¾” in length). Liberty Classics, Libertyville, IL., made in China. 1996
Bally’s Casino $5 Anniversary Chip. This gambling chip commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the ‘36 Inaugural Election (honoring the first five inductees) into the Baseball Hall-of-Fame. The red & yellow chip features a black & white batting photo of the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes marked: ‘The Grand Babe Ruth’. Reverse lists the other players. 1996
2 – Souvenir Refrigerator Magnets. Laminated color advertising magnets (2” x 3”) featuring the Bambino endorsing a product (from the 20’s - 30’s). Reverse has a rubber magnet. Ruth by Curtis, In., Ind., made in USA. 1990’s
A. Red Rock Cola: Red, same label as the soda can on this shelf.
B. Babe Ruth Underwear: Green with smiling picture advertising the
underwear featured on shelf # 1.
Cards/Paper:
Babe Ruth Tobacco Card. This cigarette card is most likely the first issued Ruth baseball card after being trade from Boston to New York. It is a color card (1 ½” x 2 ½”) featuring Babe in a pitching pose marked: ‘Babe Ruth, Pitcher’ and looks like he is still wearing a Red Sox uniform (without the Sox logo on his baseball cap). If so, this would mean card is a re-issue from 1919 by the tobacco company (with the noted team change). 1920
R423 Mini Baseball Card with Babe Ruth. This interesting baseball relic is 7/8” wide by 8” long and contains thirteen black & white player photos which all fold into a single accordion-style card and include Hall-of-Famers: Ruth, Cobb, Dean, Mack, Waner, Greenburg and Lemon. Reverse has an orange background with a baseball diamond and players in white. 1950
Unique Ruth Photo Card. Interesting black & white photo image of card # 41B from ‘The Book Of Knowledge’ ‘Wonders of the World Picture Flash Cards and Quiz Game’. The card depicts Ruth at bat with an ‘A’ on his cap (have never seen this Ruth picture before). Reverse has Ruth bio. 3 ½” x 5 ¾”. ED-U-Cards Mfg. Corp., L.I.C., NY. 1960
Bazooka ‘All-Time Greats’ Gold Baseball Card. Decorative bordered plax (cigarette-size card) that was originally inserted five to a box of Bazooka Bubble Gum, as part of their 41 card Hall-of-Fame set, along with 25 pieces of bubble gum. Card shows a seldom seen profile image of the great ‘Bambino’ without his baseball cap. Topps Chewing Gum, Inc., Duryea, Pa. 1963
Babe Ruth Comic Book Foldee # 12 of 44. This neat three page cardboard cigarette-size card (1 ½” x 2 ½”) features a graphic image of Babe on the cover which is divided in half and refolds in such a way as to make 9 ‘Funny Pictures’ with other characters inside: Wanda the Witch, Wonder Woman. National Periodical Publications, Inc. 1966
American Oil Sweepstakes Card. These perforated ‘Winner’s Circle’ cards were distributed by American Oil Service Stations with the Grand Prize being: a 1968 Corvette or Camaro. Customer could win the prize shown on the card (this card is for 1 dollar) by collecting both the portrait and the action picture of the subject depicted on the card. Front features a circular drawing of the Bambino beside a bio. Reverse has sweepstake rules. American Oil Company. 1968
Gold Hall-Of-Fame Plaque Card. Standard size gold-toned metal baseball card (2 ½” x 3 ½”) from the Hall-of-Fame set sold at the National Baseball Hall-of-Fame & Museum, Cooperstown, New York. Card has a gold border surrounding a decorative baseball motif plaque and features a bust of George Herman (Babe) Ruth above a brief bio. 1981
‘Donruss Champions’ Card. Oversized baseball card (3 ½” x 5”) with a prominent color action drawing beside a small bust insert (artwork by noted baseball artist Dick Perez. Reverse has bio and stats, from the set (# 1 of 60). Donruss. 1984
Silver Trading Card™ with Coin in Sealed Pack. Color card with a circular cutout housing a One Troy OZ. .999 pure silver coin (1 ½” diameter) limited to 15,000 produced. Card features a batting image of Babe on the front with a write-up, back has career statistics. The coin front features a prominent embossed head shot image under a facsimile signature labeled: ‘Sultan of Swat’ along the outer edge. Reverse has coin information in raised lettering. Silver Card ™ © The Money Co. 1992
Action ® Packed Ruth Card # 94. Red and gold bordered card with an embossed color image of Babe’s ‘Ruthian’ swing. Reverse has career stats and highlights. Hi-Pro Marketing, Inc. 1993
Babe Ruth Hall-OF-Plaque Post Card. Large cardboard version (3 ½” x 5 ½”) of the Gold Hall-Of-Fame Plaque card (see description above). Sold at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, NY. 1995
‘Mr. Ruth’ Post Card. Un-stamped color card featuring an original portrait painting of an older Babe Ruth in a Yankee uniform by noted sports artist, Arthur K Miller ©. The Art Asylum. C. 1990’s
Bambino One Dollar Bill. This novelty bill is a 1995 issue and features a color Xerox head shot of the Bambino in the center - replacing that of George Washington. 1995
Pure Cane Sugar Packet. Color front pictures a ¾ image of the Bambino posing with a bat, wearing Yankee pin stripes. Reverse reads: ‘Roaring 20’s’ and features a short bio on the Babe. Nifda, distributed by National Institutional Food Dist., Atlanta, Ga. and San Francisco, Ca. C. 1980’s
Match Book Pack. Full match pack featuring a black & white photo image of the Bambino in a Yankees uniform above his printed name. Reverse has career statistics with striker intact. Matches have no ignitable tops (don’t know what these were made for or by whom). C. 1980’s
Ruth’s Home Run Candy Bar Wrapper Xerox. Color copy of the original 5-cent chocolate bar, with an oval photo of Ruth smiling marked: ‘Babe Ruth’s Own Candy’. Original candy was from the ‘George H. Ruth Candy Co. Inc. out of New York and Cleveland. 1990’s
Stamps:
Manama 3-D Flicker Postage Stamp. This large un-cancelled yellow stamp (1 ¾” x 4”) is from Manama, the capital and largest city of Bahrain, and has two separate images with script in both English and Arabic. The left side pictures the 1929 NY Yankee’s famous ‘Murderer’s Row’ in home pin-stripes with ‘Gehrig, Combs, Lazzari, and Babe Ruth’. The batting image on the right morphs from Lou Gehrig to Babe Ruth, including their names, when tilted (similar to Sportsflics baseball cards). Very cool piece from the Middle East. Bahrain, C. 1972
Ajman 15-DH. Postage Stamp. Ajman is one of the seven emirates comprising the small Gulf country of UAR. This un-Cancelled stamp (1 ½” x 2”) with Arabic script is from the ‘Champions of Sport’ series and features a yellow border with a light yellow background and depicts a smiling profile image of Babe with a graphic batter above and to the right. United Arab Emirates, 1969
2 – Granada 30-Cent Postage Stamps. Un-cancelled yellow-bordered stamps (1 ½” x 2”) featuring two small Ruth images in Yankee (home) uniform; the left side is a portrait - the right depicts him swinging a bat. Marked: ‘US Baseball Series 1’.
4 – 20-Cent US Postal Stamps. Un-cancelled stamps depicting the Bambino in his classic ‘Ruthian’ swing, with stadium and fans visible in background. U.S.P.S., 1983
3 – 32-Cent US Postal Stamps. These un-cancelled Ruth stamps are from the ‘Celebrate the Century – 1920’s’ series and depict the Bambino at bat with catcher visible and bunting around Yankee Stadium (World Series game). Peel-off reverse has a bio. U.S.P.S., 1998
5 – Babe Ruth 33-Cent US Postal Stamps. Stamps feature a prominent batting image of Babe (4 are un-cancelled, 1 cancelled). Peel-off reverse has a bio. U.S.P.S., 2000
Shelf 5 (14 Total Items) Ceramic Shelf, all plates and mugs are different.
Limited Edition Ceramic Beer Stein. 6 ½” tall stein featuring four color images of the NY Yankee Hall-of-Fame Right Fielder from an original painting by Christopher Paluso. # 477 of 5,000. DMP Hackett American. 1985
Babe Ruth Beer Stein. Large white stein (7 ½” tall) with a gold-leaf rim, handle and base, along with five color images of the Bambino on one side above his name; from a painting by artist Joseph Catalano. Reverse has a short bio and lists his career stats just like the back of a baseball card. Limited Edition # 344 of 714. Curtis Licensing and Sports Impressions, NY. 1988
Limited Edition ‘The Called Shot’ Tankard. This attractive stein (8 ¾” tall) is the premier issue in the ‘Legends of Baseball Signature Series’ from The Bradford Museum and features a pewter-hinged lid and baseball glove top to go along with a Babe Ruth bat handle containing a facsimile signature. One side has a colorful depiction of Ruth with his famous swing and a facsimile signature on a raised relief baseball. Other side and bottom has raised equipment and a ball field with players, and a bio with career stats. Comes with a Certificate Of Authenticity (edition # 1817), in association with Curtis Management Group, Babe Ruth Baseball League, and the Babe Ruth Family, by the Bradford Museum. 1993
Babe Ruth Beer Stein. Large heavy ceramic mug (6” tall) features a raised image of the Bambino pointing, known as: ‘The Called Shot’. The other side has a color picture of Ruth Swinging a bat (from a well-known photo) and there is also an embossed image of Yankee Stadium. Stein is labeled: ‘Babe Ruth’ and ‘The Great Bambino’ in raised lettering and the base has raised bats and ball motif. Made in Brazil. 1990’s
Babe Ruth Ceramic Coffee Mug. This white mug has a blue interior and features several different color images of the Bambino on both sides marked: “Babe Ruth’ in large letters. Curtis Management and Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1992
Mini ‘The Sultan Of Swat’ Collectors Plate. 22 Karat gold-bordered plate (4 ¼” diameter) from the ‘Sports Superstar Collector Plate Series’. This tiny plate features five different color images of the Bambino along with interior and exterior shots of Yankee Stadium in the background. Signed by artist Joseph Catalano. Curtis Management Group, Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1992
Mini Collectors Plate. Limited edition ceramic plate (# 626I) from ‘The Best of Baseball Plate Collection’ labeled: ‘The Legendary Babe Ruth’. Plate is 6 ½” diameter with a 22 Karat gold leaf border and features six different images of the Yankee great with a facsimile signed baseball in front of Yankee Stadium, and is signed by artist B. Tanenbaum. Babe Ruth Estate, Babe Ruth Baseball and Curtis Management. The Hamilton Collection. 1992
‘Pillars of Baseball’ Mini Collector’s Plate. Gold-rimmed plate (6 ½” diameter) with several color images of the Bambino, along with a facsimile signed baseball in the foreground (Plate # 0925 B). Curtis Management, Babe Ruth Baseball League, Inc, Sports Impressions in association with The Hamilton Collection. 1995
‘Babe Ruth’s Called Shot’ Mini Collectors Plate. Limited edition ceramic plate (# 914A) from ‘The Glory of The Game Plate Collection’ reenacts ‘The Called Shot’. The 23K gold-bordered rim (6 ½” diameter) features three different images of the ‘Bambino’ during the ‘32’ World Series in Wrigley Field with red/white/blue bunting draped over the stands. Sports Impression in association with The Hamilton Collection. 1995
Babe Ruth Collector’s Plate. Gold-rimmed plate (8 ½” diameter) features a ¾ profile image of the Bambino surrounded by three action images, and is signed by the artist Christopher Paluso. Limited Edition # 630 of 10,000. Hackett American Collectors Co. 1984
‘The Sultan Of Swat’ Collectors Plate. This 8 ¼” diameter gold-bordered plate is from the ‘Sports Superstar Collector Plate Series’. Plate features five different color images of Ruth along with interior and exterior shots of Yankee Stadium in the background. Signed by artist Joseph Catalano (# 3,486 and limited to a run of 5,000). Curtis Management Group and Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1992
1927 NY Yankees Collector’s Plate. Gold-bordered plate (8 ½” diameter) labeled the ‘Greatest Team Ever’ features eighteen player images from that memorable team (two of Babe Ruth), inside a red/white/blue border. Plate is signed by artist Robert Tanenbaum. Curtis Management Group and Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1993
‘The Legendary Babe Ruth’ Collector’s Plate. This 8” diameter plate has a 24 Karat gold-border and features four different color images of the great Bambino from his early pitching days in Boston - to his retirement signing autographs for children in a suit. Plate has a small 1” diameter gold baseball affixed to the front, with embossed seams and Ruth’s facsimile signature and is labeled: ‘The Sultan Of Swat’. Plate # HC 524 by Jim Auckland. Curtis Management and The Franklyn Mint. 1995
‘The Called Shot’ Collector’s Plate. 22-Karat gold-rimmed plate (8” diameter) with three images of Ruth during the ‘32’ World Series at Wrigley Field, Chicago, where the Bambino hit his famous home run. There is also a beautiful period image of the fans in bleachers with red/white/blue bunting along the brick wall and his facsimile signature. Plate is first in the ‘Legendary Home Runs’ series by Jason Walker and # 4253 A in the limited edition series. The Bradford Exchange. 1996
Shelf 6 (15 Total Items)
Bronze Babe Ruth Figural Desk Clock. This wonderful electric time piece is 10 ½” x 13” and features a large bust of the great ‘Bambino’ in the center, with ‘Babe Ruth’ engraved on his chest. Flanked on either side are regulation size baseballs bearing inscriptions of his most impressive stats, single season and lifetime home run records, all of which sits on an gorgeous art deco-style, bakelite base. Produced by Abbotwares Co. C. 1948
Redtop Beer Hall Of Fame Wall Plaque Advertisement. Fittingly Babe Ruth was honored as the first athlete to be represented in Redtop’s Hall Of Fame Sports Series. This heavy-duty cardboard plaque is 10 ½” x 14 ½” and features an 8” tall cast metal figure with a gold wash, of Ruth batting. It is affixed to the right front against a black background with two screws, and reads: ‘Hall Of Fame Babe Ruth 1894 – 1948’ (interestingly, they got his birth date wrong by 1 year (1895). The left front has a raised ad for the beer company with their logo marked: ‘Proved Premium Quality’ and ‘Crisp Clean Taste’. Reverse has a gold sticker with a bio of George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth. Redtop Brewing Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. Copyright 1957
‘Baltimore’s Babe’ Limited Edition Statue. An impressive 12” tall bronzed ceramic figural that depicts a young Babe Ruth in his 1914 International league Baltimore Orioles uniform (his first pro team), with the League’s 1914 emblem on the left sleeve. The statue was offered (in a limited edition of 2,000) to mark the nine-foot, 800 pound bronze statue that actually stands proudly at the entrance of Baltimore’s Camden Yards. Sculpted by Susan Luery. CE&S Art Forms, Inc, Belcamp, Md. 1993
Brass ‘The Called Shot’ Statue. Gorgeous 9 ½” tall rendition of the Bambino’s famous ‘Called Shot’ during the 1932 World Series in Wrigley Field (off Cub’s pitcher, Charlie Root). Statue is mounted on a 6” diameter green marble base. A gold plaque on front reads: ‘Called Shot by Dawn’. Statue weighs about ten pounds. 1990’s
Bronzed Ruth Commemorative Hartland Statue. Limited edition figurine of the Bambino in his Yankee Pin Stripes made of hard plastic (same as the one on shelf # 4) – except this one has taken a bronze bath plunge. This beauty stands 7 ¾” tall and is mounted on a 6” x 6” stained, hard wood base. Late 1980’s
Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig Statue. Limited edition double-wide resin statue (# 215 of 1,927) by artist, Palmer Murphy, features an incredible likeness of these two legendary NY Yankees standing side-by-side during the 1929 season (sculpted from the well known publicity photograph of the two Yankee sluggers). It has facsimile autographs on a plaque front and career statistics on the rear. 5 ½” wide x 9” tall. 1995
4 – Babe Ruth Statues. These beautiful posed and detailed cold-cast resin statues right down to the folds in his uniform are all mounted on various-shaped bases with ‘Babe Ruth’s’ facsimile signature engraved on the front plaque. These statues were sculpted by Palmer Murphy for the 100-year anniversary of Babe Ruth’s birth. 1994
A. Called Shot from 1932 World Series: 7” tall
B. Ruth Swinging: 6” tall
C. 2 – Young Ruth Pitching for Red Sox: 6” tall, (two different finishes)
Limited Edition Babe Ruth Bust Statue. This gorgeous piece of work is a 10 ¾” tall limited edition statue (# 353 of 2000) very heavy, and sculpted with an incredible likeness of the Yankee great. Statue features a bust of Ruth with an ‘NY’ cap mounted on a large baseball with raised seams, a facsimile signature on the front, and is finished with a black (5” x 5 ½”) base. Sticker on Bottom marked: ‘Art Deluxe, New York’. Reverse engraved ‘Rudolf Rubino Creations’. 1991
Ruth Bust Statue. This 6” tall design features a smaller bust similar to the above, sculpted with an incredible likeness of Ruth and is affixed to a partial baseball with engraved seams and a facsimile signature, both mounted on a Roman column. Reverse engraved ‘Rudolf Rubino Creations’. C. 1990’s
Brass Babe Ruth Wall Plaque. Large circular medallion (5” diameter) features an embossed full figure batting image of the Yankee Hall-of-Fame Right Fielder, surrounded by a decorative outer rim. Reverse has two wall mounting holes. C. 1930’s
Brass Babe Ruth Bust Plaque. Beautiful oval wall medallion (3 ½” x 4 ¼”) depicting an embossed image of the Babe (from the shoulders up) showing an incredible likeness of the legendary American Hero. Reverse has a molded hang bracket with a metal loop. No idea when it was made.
‘The Sultan of Swat’ Collector’s Plate. This heavy 8” diameter embossed plate is the first issue from the ‘Immortals of the Diamond’ Series. The limited edition plate (# A8145) has a brass-look finish and depicts raised images of Ruth pitching, batting along with a bust in front of Yankee Stadium (appropriately enough called the House That Ruth Built). From The Bradford exchange, in association with Curtis Management, the Family of Babe Ruth and Babe Ruth Baseball League, Inc. 1994
Top of Show Case # 6 (8 Total)
Babe Ruth Plaster Caricature Statue. This caricature depicts the man who captured the hearts and imagination of the American public on the baseball field through the ‘Roaring 20’s’ – and into the depths of the ‘Great Depression’. The full length figure features an over-sized head (compared to the rest of his body), reminiscent of the celebrity caricatures made over the past thirty years. The statue stands 18” tall and weighs about 12 pounds (can’t read inscription). C. Late 1980’s
Babe Ruth Effenbee ‘The Called Shot’ Doll. Hand-painted vinyl doll (15 ½” tall) fully-jointed with molded hair dressed in Ruth’s most memorable uniform, Yankee pin stripes. This sports doll features the Bambino from his greatest moment, pointing toward center field before hitting a home run on the next pitch in the ‘32’ World Series. Doll comes with a wood bat and Babe’s facsimile signature. 1985.
2 – Ashton-Drake ‘The 60th Home Run’ Dolls. This beautiful sculpture of Ruth is 14” tall and depicts the Bambino in a cloth Yankee pin stripe uniform celebrating his record breaking, 60th home run on Sept. 30th, 1927 and is the first issue in the ‘Legends of Baseball’ collection from the noted toy company, designed by Romanian artist, Titus Tomescu. It is hand-painted and mounted on a 6” x 12” stone base with a gold plaque and a facsimile signature of the Bambino. Both dolls come with a box and Certificate of Authenticity, one is #16288 (the other paper work is in storage at the moment). The Ashton-Drake Galleries. 1994
2 – Babe Ruth Cooperstown Collection Hall Of Fame Dolls. Pose-able limited edition plastic dolls (12” tall) with exceptional detail given to authentic cloth style uniforms. One doll features Ruth in Yankee pin stripes batting (wood bat); while the other has him wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform from his early years pitching. Hasbro. 1996
Salvino 500 Home Run Club Statue. This beautiful 9” tall limited edition ceramic statue depicts the Bambino in a grey road uniform admiring one of his momentous shots. The figure comes with a wood Louisville Slugger bat with Babe’s facsimile signature on the barrel and rests on a home plate-shaped gold plaque noting Babe’s 714 life-time home runs. Base front has another gold plaque with Babe’s facsimile signature. Another gold plaque on bottom is marked: ‘Babe Ruth # 1893 of 2500. Salvino, Inc., Corona, Ca. 1996
‘Jacob Rupert’s Beer’ Advertising Light Box. It was Rupert, the Yankee owner and beer magnate who ‘Stole’ Babe Ruth away from the Red Sox in 1920 for a paltry 125,000, creating the nightmare catch phrase know as the ‘Curse of the Bambino’ that was to haunt Boston the rest of the 20th century. This fancy 10” x 13” display box features a blue reverse painted glass front with stenciled lettering and an orange interior light, and was meant to be displayed in bars. 1920’s – 30’s
Ruth Alcove:
Babe Ruth Cigar Store Baseball Player. Folk art carvings of this type used to stand in front of cigar stores at the turn of the century. This hand-carved statue stands four feet tall, cut from a single block of beautifully-grained wood and is hand-painted exhibiting an incredible likeness of the legendary Bambino in all his glory wearing Yankee pin stripes. Superb coloring and detail, the artist’s talent is obvious from the first glance. The bat is separate and slides easily into the hands. Figure is supported by a 13” x 13” x 2 ½” thick base (no artist or date).
Babe Ruth Oil Painting. This 22” x 28” oil on canvas painting features a prominent image of the aging Yankee posing in front of the dugout in his home pin stripe uniform, wearing a glove, with a teammate visible in the background. Signed by artist, Thomas (date unknown).
Babe Ruth Ave. Street Sign. Yellow metal sign (4 ½” wide x 23” long) with blue lettering reads: ‘Babe Ruth Ave.’ (date unknown).
Legends Of Baseball Birthday Calendar. Long narrow calendar (4 ½” x 18 ½”) containing pictures of twelve famous players, each represented by one of their baseball cards. Babe Ruth is featured in the month of February (the month he was born) with his 1935 Goudy card. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1992.
Babe Ruth Depression Era Carnival Figurine. This 14” tall caricature figure is made of light-weight composite material and probably given out as an arcade prize during the depression to stimulate sales. The painted statue depicts Ruth leaning against a bat at his side, wearing a baseball glove, and is dressed in a gray uniform marked: ‘Babe Ruth’ across the chest in green. Babe’s feet are oversized like those of a clown. C. 1930’s
‘Great Moments In Sport Babe Ruth’ Model Kit. Unpainted plastic kit in the original box with some of the pieces still attached to the plastic ‘Tree’. The figure depicts Ruth belting his 60th home run, with a catcher, umpire, dugout, and fans in background. Complete with instructions (9” x 12 ½”). Aurora Plastics Corp. 1965.
Ruth Jigsaw Puzzle. Large 20” x 20” interlocking puzzle featuring 500 pieces depicting a collage of Babe Ruth memorabilia. From the Babe Ruth Estate, Curtis Licensing and Hallmark Cards, Inc. 1987.
Babe Ruth Shatter-Proof Mirror. This mirror features a Ruth portrait alongside an action shot with number 3, above an authenticated facsimile autograph (authentication on back). 16” x 20”, framed. Sessy Products and CMG Worldwide Inc., 1996.
Ruth Seagram Whiskey Mirror. Collage of various Babe Ruth pictures in both Yankee and Red Sox uniforms overlaid on a mirror. 17” x 20 ½”, framed. Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. and CMG. 1990.
2 – Babe Ruth Baseball Bat Racks: This pair of wood baseball bats are 32” long and feature two different burned images of the Bambino on the barrel along with a display shelf for collector Plates.
Bat Shelf # 1: Each of the four limited edition porcelain plates listed below are gold-rimmed, 8” in diameter, from the ‘Babe Ruth Centennial Series’ by Phil Heffernan, and feature different images (1 color, 1 black & white) commemorating a particular Ruth highlight, both inside baseball seams that run along the inside rim. From the Bradford Exchange.
1. ‘The 60th Homer’. First in the series (limited edition # 13371A
2. ‘Babe’s Pitching Debut’. Second in the Series. # 1035A. 1995.
3. ‘The Final Home Run’. Third in the Series. # 542A. 1995.
4. ‘Barnstorming Days’. Fourth in the Series. # 1268A. 1995.
Bat Shelf # 2:
1. ‘The Sultan Of Swat’ by Joseph Catalano. This 10 ½” diameter gold-rimmed
plate features a collage of images (# 436 of 714). Sports Impressions, 1988
2. ‘Babe Ruth’ by Brian Johnson. This 10 ½” diameter gold-rimmed plate
features a collage of images with Yankee Stadium in the background (# 152
of 10,000). Sports Impressions, 1988
3. Babe Ruth Plaque. This 9 ½” diameter wall mounted plaster casting features
a gold finished embossed image of Ruth swinging a bat marked: ‘Hero Of
American Youth, George Herman (Babe) Ruth’. 1934
Miscellaneous Babe Ruth:
(Foyer) Penny Muto-Scope with Marquee and Babe Ruth Reel. To understand the impact of the Muto-scope on society and sports fans in particular, one must consider that, in the early third of the 20th century there were only ten cities in which Major League baseball was played. Aside from his rare ‘Barnstorming’ appearances, attendance at games played in those ten cities was the only chance to see the legend that was Babe Ruth. The most common medium for fans around the country to see Ruth in action was through the ‘Magic’ of the Muto-scope at the cost of one penny. In fact, that magic was created by a technology no more sophisticated then a giant flip book on a rotating wheel that, when set in motion, appeared to present a moving picture of the subject.
This vintage cast-iron arcade machine (C. 1900’s – 1910’s) features the original brass hardware and coin slot and is wired to power the light that brings the flashing images to life. This coin-operated machine is mounted on an ornate pedestal stand finished in black with gold trim. Total height is 60” tall x 8” wide, complete with lock & key. Manufactured by International Mutoscope Reel Co., New York City.
The black & white reel itself highlights the legendary ‘Bambino’ hitting a home run and circling the bases during a game in which the fans are pictured in the bleachers wearing period clothes. It also depicts the famous feud between Ruth & Gehrig during the late ‘20’s, where Lou Gehrig, the on deck batter (# 4), refuses to congratulate the Bambino after the home run. The marquee features a modern day black & white publicity photo of a younger Ruth posing in a studio shortly after joining Yankees (1920), with a facsimile signature.
(Foyer) (Coin-Operated) 1-Cent Exhibit Card Vending Machine with two Babe Ruth Exhibit Cards on Pedestal Stand. A staple in most penny arcades was the exhibit machine which enticed youngsters with post card sized photographs of their favorite baseball stars. This early, double-slotted grey metal coin-operated dispenser issued baseball, western and starlet cards. The machine itself has embossed ‘Exhibit Supply Co. Cards and patent number 4-21-25’ on the front, with instructions marked: ‘Put Penny In Slot – Push Slide All The Way In, Then Pull Out Slot And Receive Card’ and ‘Samuel Klein, Amusement Games and Vending Machines’. Displayed behind the front glass are two large black & white ‘Exhibit’ photo cards of the Hall-of-Fame Right Fielder; one with Ruth fielding from the early ‘20’s with a not to familiar facsimile signature marked: ‘Geo H ‘Babe Ruth’ Outfielder, New York, AM. L. The other card is studio image of the Bambino batting with a facsimile signature. Machine is 7” wide x 7” deep x 10” tall, stand is 32”, overall height 42”. Complete with lock & key. Exhibit Supply Co., Chicago, Ill. C. 1920’s – 30’s.
(Foyer) Babe Ruth Poster. This poster is from an old negative (C. 1920’s) featuring a well-known black & white photo depicting the Bambino admiring a home run following a ‘Ruthian’ swing. 18” x 24”, framed. C. 1990
(Foyer) Babe Ruth ‘Louisville Slugger’ Hat Rack. This is genuine 30” long Little League bat that is expertly sliced in half right down the middle and contains all the markings: a ‘Louisville Slugger’ label, ‘Flame Tempered’, and a facsimile signature on barrel that reads: ‘Batting Champion, George ‘Babe’ Ruth’. The rack itself features five wood hanging pegs and easily mounts on a wall with two screws. C. 1960’s – 70’s
(Foyer) Babe Ruth Composite Statue. Cool 26” tall statue portraying the Yankee great in all his glory leaning on a bat, dressed in a weathered Yankee pin stripe uniform with an ‘NY’ logo on the cap (# 3 on back), and mounted atop a 6” x 10”green base. C. 1980’s – 90’s
Babe Ruth Burlap Bag. This large advertising bag for Pinto Beans (Net WT. 100 LBS) pictures a prominent full figure batting image of the Bambino set in front of an over-sized baseball labeled: ‘Bambino Pinto Beans’, ‘Bambino Bean, Inc. Mingo, Kansas.’ 21” x 36”, framed. C. 1940’s – 60’s
‘Babe’s Diner’ Neon Diner’s Clock. Black ‘50’s style electric clock labeled: ‘Babe’s Diner’ features two silhouette images of Ruth batting that light up with a blue/green tint. 14” diameter face, with pull chain. C. 1990’s
Babe Ruth Remarkable Moments Audio Sound-bite Display. Hear the Bambino himself recount his most famous home run, the ‘Called Shot’. This limited edition display (# 644/5000) features a sepia-toned photo (8” x 10”) enclosed behind plastic picturing the Bambino in a Yankee uniform hitting a home run in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series (against Chicago Cub pitcher, Charlie Root at Wrigley Field). Reverse highlights the Bambino’s career along with that memorable day in baseball history. The audio chip is hidden inside a charcoal grey stone base (Ruth facsimile signature etched on front base) describing what soon became known as the legendary ‘Called Shot’ (2 spare batteries in RM manila package/Ruth cabinet). By Remarkable Moments, Talking Frames Corp., and other licensees. 1994
(Cabinet # 1, Shelf # 3) Babe Ruth Sterling Silver Baseball Thermometer. This unique item from the ‘Roaring 20’s’ (one year before the 1929 stock marked crash) is a 1 ¾” diameter silver ball with raised seams and features a glass window with a red temperature dial in the center, against a silver background. Ball has ‘Babe Ruth 1928’ etched on the side (1 ¾” diameter). 1928
Cabinet Below:
Advertising / Paper / Books / Misc:
Ceramic Cookie Jar. Large hand painted storage jar finished in the likeness of the ‘Bambino’ holding a bat on his shoulder in Yankee pin stripes with NY on the cap (# 3 on jersey back). Designed and Distributed by Clay Art, San Francisco, Ca. Manufactured in China. 11” wide x 12” tall with Original box. 1997
100th Commemorative Anniversary Pillow. Colorful 13” x 13” stuffed cotton/poly pillow (51%/49%) - looks just like a tapestry with a needle-point image featuring a classic ‘Ruthian’ swing. Above the image is a large white pennant marked: ‘Babe Ruth’, background shows fans in the bleachers; reverse is solid black. Also, ‘100th Anniversary 1895 – 1995’ is sewn in black on lower right. By Dakotah, U.S.A. 1995
Limited Edition Babe Ruth Anniversary Tee Shirt. Unused grey cotton/poly shirt (Fruit Of The Loom, size XL) is the companion piece to the limited edition anniversary bat on shelf # 1. Shirt has an image of the Babe at the top with name, nick name, bio, famous quote, and a facsimile signature across the chest. Also marked # 1 of 250 and ‘Bat Shirts Div. of Where It All Began Bat Co. Cooperstown, N.Y.’ 1995
2 – Sealed Starting Lineup (SLU) ‘Baseball Greats’. Each package features a plastic figurine of Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig (approx. 5” tall) and billed as ‘realistic sculptings of the Major League Stars’. There are two different versions; one features Ruth in grey (road uniform) while Gehrig is wearing white (home uniform), the other vice versa. Factory sealed package (10” x 13”) has cardboard backing with statues behind clear plastic and comes with a Starting Lineup baseball card for each player. Reverse pictures other statue pairs in this particular set. Officially licensed product MLB & MLBPA. By Kenner, a division of Tonka Corp., Cincinnati, Ohio, made in China. 1989
2 – NY Yankee Plastic Collector Drinking Cups. White cups (dishwasher safe) licensed by MLB; the first one is # 1 of 4 from the Yankees retired number series featuring #’s 3, 4 & 5 (Ruth, Gehrig, Berra), with a brief bio underneath. The other is a ‘Coca-Cola’ and ‘Volume Services’ advertising cup that features pictures of the Yankee American League MVP award winners above their name and the respective year(s) they won the award (Ruth won in 1923). Packer Plastics, Lawrence, KS. 1990’s
6 – Tin Babe Ruth Advertising Signs. Nice color signs featuring different embossed images of the Bambino advertising a particular product, mostly during the ‘Roaring 20’s’. These are licensed with Curtis Management. Desperate Enterprises, Wadsworth, Ohio.
A. Pinch Hit Tobacco: 11” x 14”, 1991
B. Red Rock Cola: 11 ½” x 16”, 1991
C. Old Gold Cigarettes: 12 ¼” x 16 ¼”, 1991
D. Home Run Candy Bar: 11 ¾” x 16 ¼”, 1991
E. All America Athletic Underwear: 12” x 16”, 1993
F. Babe Comes Home Movie Poster: 10” x 16”, 1993
Publications/Paper:
50th Anniversary of Yankee Stadium LP. Narrated by Mel Allen, play-by-play announcer forever known as the ‘Legendary voice of the New York Yankees’ (1940’s – 60’s). This 33 1/3 double-sided vinyl record features over 30 minutes on each side of the most memorable events in ‘The House That Ruth Built’. Fleetwood Marketing Group Inc., New York. 1973
5 – Books: Hard Covers:
A. They Played The Game (DJ) by Harry Grayson. A.S. Barnes and Company.
Second printing, 1944
B. Babe Ruth (DJ) by Martin Weldon. Thomas Y. Crowell Company. 1948
C. Babe Ruth (No DJ) by Tom Meany. Grosset & Dunlap, Inc., NY. 1951
D. The Babe Ruth Story (DJ) by Babe Ruth as told to Bob Considine.
American Book – Stratford Press, 1948 – 11th Printing, 1966
E. Babe – The Legend Comes To Life (DJ) by Robert Creamer. Simon and
Schuster, New York. 1974
5 – Soft Covers:
A. Babe Ruth Home Run Hero by Keith Brandt. Troll Associates, 1986
B. The Babe Ruth Story by Babe Ruth as told to Bob Considine. A Signet
Book, 1992
C. Babe The Legend Comes To Life by Robert Creamer. Fireside, 1992
D. Babe Ruth His Life And Legend by Kal Wagenheim. Henry Holt and
Company, 1992
E. Babe Ruth’s Incredible Records and the 44 Players Who broke Them by
John Mercurio. S.P.I. Books, 1993
Babe Ruth – Jackie Robinson. Black & white illustrated comic-style book. Pendulum Press, Inc., 1979
Babe Ruth – Baseball Legends Comic Book. Revolutionary Comics, March 1992
The 1988 Baseball Engagement Calendar (Ruth on cover and inside). Appointment book, photos, trivia, Macmillan Publishing Co., 1988
Baseball Engagement Book, The Called Shot 60 Years later by Michael Gershman. Still sealed spiral bound calendar, appointment planner, trivia book baseball almanac, Houghton Mifflin, Boston. 1992
Beckett Baseball Card Monthly. Cover, inside back cover and article ‘The Babe Turns 100.’ February, 1995
Spitball The Literary Magazine (Ruth on cover and inside). Spitball Magazine Inc., 1996
The Vintage & Classic Baseball Collector Magazine. Great magazine for articles and photos on vintage memorabilia and baseball stars. This issue has an article on Babe Ruth games. Issue # 6, May/June, 1996.
Beckett Vintage Sports Magazine. Young Babe Ruth is featured on the cover in a Boston Red Sox uniform. Inside is an article about Ruth and the Drapard-Maynard Equipment Company regarding the white baseball glove (Ruth Cabinet, Shelf # 1). May, 1997
Sports Collectors Digest Magazine. This issue features a Ruth drawing on the cover with an article on collecting Ruth ‘Quaker Oats’ cereal premium memorabilia. Dec. 26, 1997
Sports Reading Series Babe Ruth. Double-sided cardboard piece (8 ½” x 14”) is titled ‘The One and Only Babe Ruth’ from the ‘Big League Reading Kit’ and recounts the Called Shot. One side features a color photo from that game; reverse features a black & white photo. Bowmar/Noble Publishers, Inc. 1979
11 – Babe Ruth Black &White Wire Photos. Variety of photos (new photos from old negatives) taken during the Bambino’s career; some from games, others are publicity shots. 1980’s – 90’s
Daily News Babe Ruth Photo. This black & white photo was taken from C. 1924 and reproduced by the Daily News. 2004
Babe Ruth Collectors Edition Wheaties Box. Large size flattened box (cereal gone) celebrating ’60 Years of Sports Heritage’ of the cereal company. Box front features famous black & white photo of classic ‘Ruthian’ swing. Side panel has black & white shot of Ruth/Gehrig. Reverse features more Ruth photos, career highlights, bio and stats. Babe Ruth Estate and Curtis Management in conjunction with General Mills, Inc., 1992
9 – ‘Ruthian Shots’ Card Sets. Five card set featuring old black & white photos of the Bambino. Megacards Inc. 1993
The Official Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Collection. Sealed package containing many Ruth cards and a disk; kit also contains a Sweepstakes (Grand Prize being a Babe Ruth autographed baseball). Cooperstown Collection & Megacards, Inc., Fairfield, IA. 1995
2 – Rolls of Babe Ruth Exhibit Cards Wall Paper Border. These are pre-pasted, washable black & white rolls; one is (8” x 15’ long) and features four different pictures (Exhibit size baseball cards) side-by-side consecutively and run the entire length. Two of the four photos are copies of actual exhibit cards from the 20’s, the other two are well-known wire photos (three have facsimile signatures, the fourth has ‘Babe Ruth’ written under the pictures. The second roll (5 ½” x 15’ long) is actually a ‘Hall of Fame series (number 3) and features six players (all exhibit card images), all have facsimile signatures under their picture. They too run consecutively the entire length: Ruth, Honus Wagner, Johnny Mize, Bob Feller, Enos Slaughter and Phil Rizzuto. Hanging instructions and 5 other sample borders included. A.J. Exhibit ® Corp., Hudson Falls, NY. 1996
New York Yankees Official Year Book. Ruth cover and article inside (100th Anniversary), 1995
Busch Beer Advertising Poster/Schedule. Large color poster (14” x 23”) with a full-figure, bigger-then-life drawing of the Bambino in the foreground (wearing pin stripes), bat in hand as he watches one of his monster home runs. An over-sized Yankee Stadium with bleachers packed with fans and r/w/b bunting hanging from the stands (World Series) in the background. Bottom section has the full ‘87’ Cleveland Indians month by month schedule. Curtis Licensing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., St. Louis, MO. 1987
‘Heros of Sports’ Comic Booklet. Cover features drawings of Babe Ruth, Joe Louis and Jack Dempsey on this odd-sized booklet (3 ½” x 11”). Inside features short black & white segments on many athletes; several on Ruth. Blue Dolphin Enterprises, Inc., and Caplin-Iger Co., Ltd. 1984
4 – Donruss Baseball Learning Series Posters. Each color poster (thin cardboard stock, 9 ½” x 27”) depicts drawings of memorable events during different periods in American history intertwining them with important baseball events. One pictures Babe Ruth with two captions; one from 1920 reads: ‘New York Yankees buy George Herman Ruth from Boston’ and 1927 ‘Babe Ruth hits 60 home runs in 154 games. Another makes reference to Hank Aaron breaking Babe’s home run record. Donruss Co. C. 1980’s
2 – 75th Yankee Stadium Anniversary Souvenir Cards. Color front features a caricature drawing of the Bambino. Reverse explains Ruth’s link to Yankee Stadium. 1998
2 – Copies of Babe Ruth’s Last Will and Testament. Done purely for nostalgia purposes: this 10 page computer printout contains two copies of Babe’s 5 page Will (10 total pages). Court TV Wills of Famous People. Printed out in 1998
2 – Sotheby’s Barry Halper Auction Limited Edition Card Packs. 14 card collectors set (1 open, 1 sealed) features a pair Ruth cards (# 1 & 2). Barry Halper Enterprises ™. 1999
Advertising Desk Ink Blotter. Color picture in one corner featuring the Babe slugging a home run during the ‘32’ World Series on this 4” x 9” blotter (stained) ad for Great Lakes Mfg. & Foundry Co., Detroit, Michigan. Brown & Bigelow, St. Paul, Minn. C. 1940’s
Miscellaneous Cards:
6 – Fro-Joy Ice Cream Cards. In 1928 (August 6th-11th) Fro-Joy Ice Cream issued a six-card black & white set, with each of the six cards featuring Babe Ruth. The backs of these cards invited youngsters to submit (by mail) a complete set in exchange for a large (8-5/8 x 12 inches) premium card. These cards were purchased in the mid ‘80’s’ and are probably reprints from that series.
3 – Ruth Sporting Goods Advertising Cards. Each standard size baseball card features a different black & white image of the Bambino from previously issued baseball cards or wire photos. Reverse lists store info and address. C. 1980’s – 90’s
2 – Misc Ruth Cards.
A. Repro Rookie Card. This card features young Ruth pitching for the
Boston Red Sox. C. 1990
B. Vendor’s Calling Card. Even memorabilia dealers are using images of
the Bambino to advertise themselves. C. 1990
In light of the recent Congressional hearings on steroid use challenging the integrity of the game, it should be reminded that Babe Ruth may have single-handedly saved the game of baseball after the infamous 1919 Chicago ‘Black Sox’ scandal.
After ‘Throwing’ the 1919 World Series, 8 alleged members of the Chicago White Sox were brought before a Committee, much like Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, et. al. Although they were exonerated after the hearing, the lords of baseball and Commissioner Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis banned them from the game for life.
The game was reeling and in jeopardy of losing its fan base until the Boston Red Sox traded their star pitcher/slugger, Babe Ruth, to the New York Yankees after the 1919 season. Ruth captivated the country with his home run rampage of 1920. He belted 54 homers in his first year with the Yankees (and first year as a full-time hitter) – which was more then every team in the American League that year. His exploits helped take fan’s minds off the scandal and he is credited with saving the game.
Because of his massive popularity, Ruth memorabilia is extraordinarily popular among collectors. He endorsed everything from underwear to cigars, (he even hired a publicist to market himself) and his image is still used in marketing today.
Shelf 1 – Bottom to top (59 Total Items)
Vintage Babe Ruth Keystone Stereo View Card. Black & white card (3 ½” x 7”) featuring a smiling photo and facsimile signature sandwiched between two batting images of the Bambino (on opposite ends of the card), made to fit into a Keystone stereo view-master. Reverse has instructions and marked: ‘Patent Applied For’. Keystone Co, Meadville, Penna. C. Late 1920’s
Bambino Tie Rack. Interesting gold finished textured-wood rack (5 ¾” x 15” long) featuring a raised head shot image of Ruth, decorated with crossed bats & balls motif. Babe’s baseball cap has an embossed ‘B’ (Boston Braves), the last team he played with in 1935 (his final season in the big leagues). Rack has a swivel arm secured with brackets on either side to hang the ties. Marked: ‘Patent Pending’ on reverse. C. 1935
‘Babe Ruth’ Spalding Store Model Glove. This well-worn adult RHT (right hand thrower) brown leather fielder’s glove clearly retains the ‘Babe Ruth’ facsimile signature on the interior left palm area, with the ‘Spalding’ label stamped on lower center palm. Reverse has original ‘Spalding’ buckle button intact on the adjustable leather wrist strap. Made in USA. C. 1920’ – 30’s
‘Babe Ruth’ Spalding Model Glove. Nice conditioned adult LHT fielder’s glove with a vivid Babe Ruth facsimile signature burned on the right palm. Center palm reads: ‘EZ-FLEX, Rawhide Lacing, Nylon Stitching, Sweetspot Pocket’. Reverse has a cloth Spalding baseball label marked: ‘Exclusive manufacturer American/National league baseballs’ with an adjustable leather strap. C. 1960’s
Draper-Maynard ™ G-41 Horsehide Glove Replica. White limited edition 1922 left-handed model fielder’s glove (# 15 of 714) is an exact likeness to the one that Ruth wore during the early 1920’s. A company logo is burned into the center palm above Babe’s facsimile signature. Comes with original D&M store box with a Babe Ruth ad on the inside lid promoting the glove, along with loads of original company information, more on Ruth and glove collecting in general. The Glove Collector, Dallas, Texas. 1996
Babe Ruth Underwear. What a concept from the days when Ruth could sell anything. This white cotton under-garment is a sleeveless button down body suit with short leggings and reads: ‘“Babe” Ruth Rip Proof Guaranteed Patent No. 1660222’ on reverse. Collar tag reads: ‘“Babe” Ruth Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. Size 44’. A separate paper tag reads: ‘“Babe” Ruth Guaranteed For One Year’. 1928
Spalding Sportscope Flip Movie Advertising Booklet. This little animated instructional booklet (3” x 4”) is a reprint of the 1931 issue featuring Babe Ruth (wearing Yankee pin-stripes) in sequential black & white photos (76 total) inside a stapled cover teaching kids how to hit, with tips below each photo. There is a brief introduction on Babe Ruth ‘Baseball’s Greatest Hero’ by a famed sports writer of the time and booklet also contains a Spalding equipment advertisement. Booklet is labeled No. 2 ‘The Line Drive’ and can be viewed two different ways (forward and backwards) watching different images. A.G. Spalding & Bros. 1990’s
Quaker Oats – The union between Babe Ruth and Quaker Oats was a lucrative one. A veritable catalog of premium novelties were marketed, much to the benefit of both parties in the contract.
4 – Quaker Oats Premium Instruction Booklets. These ‘How To’ instructional lessons by George H. ‘Babe’ Ruth feature playing tips by Ruth and were acquired by sending in box tops from either Quaker ‘Puffed Wheat’ or ‘Puffed Rice’. Each 22-page booklet (3 ¼” x 4 ½”) features a color cover with Ruth’s facsimile signature and a crude drawing to illustrate the subject matter of the book. Inside each is a black & white portrait photo of Ruth wearing a Yankee cap above a facsimile signature and contains simple instructions and rudimentary drawings (including one of him from his days pitching for the Red Sox) to illustrate the subject matter. The last page features a drawing of Ruth dressed in a suit and tie, eating a spoonful of Quaker Oats cereal, with another facsimile signature. 1934
A. How To Knock Home Runs: Mustard cover
B. How To Throw Curves: Orange cover
C. How To Play The Outfield: Green cover
D. How To Play the Infield: Blue cover
Die-Cut Advertising Glove Pamphlet. This ‘Reach’ mini baseball glove catalog (3” x 6”) features a color image of ‘Babe’ on the cover of their promotional booklet. The ten page booklet depicts seven different black & white photos of Babe Ruth model gloves, with a written endorsement from Babe himself: “Says Babe Ruth about baseball gloves…I certainly give my heartiest recommendation to these Major League Mitts and Gloves that Reach has turned out.” A.J. Reach, Wright & Ditson, Inc. Philadelphia. C. 1930
‘New York American’ Celluloid Advertising Score Keeper. This is a newspaper premium titled: ‘“Babe” Ruth Baseball Scorer’ featuring 8 adjustable gear-like scoring tabs and measures 2” x 3 ¾”. Reverse has full side ads such as: ‘New York American’ and ‘Latest Baseball results and more pictures then most other newspapers print’. 1920’s – 30’s
“Babe Ruth Base Ball Scorer”. Another Quaker Oats Premium collectable made of white light-stock cardboard (2” x 3 ¼”), with 5 adjustable scoring tabs and identifies Ruth on front. Reverse pictures boxes of ‘Puffed Rice’ & ‘Puffed Wheat’. 1930’s
Child’s Composition Notebook. Early writing tablet (7 ¾” x 9 ¾”) featuring a vintage black & white photo of Ruth on the cover in uniform, enticing children to by these notebooks of baseballs legendary star. The reporter style notebook still retains its empty lined sheets inside, although yellowed - showing its age. 1920’s
Bats:
Babe Ruth Wiffle Ball Bat. Dark brown plastic wood-grained bat (27 ½” long) with a textured-taped handle marked: ‘Empire’, ‘Home Run King’ and ‘Babe Ruth’. C. 1940’s – 60’s
Louisville Slugger Store Model 125. 34” long White Ash bat with Babe’s facsimile signature on the barrel, also marked: ‘Powerized’. Label is Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Louisville, KY., made in U.S.A. C. 1950’s – 1970’s
Louisville Slugger Model 40 B.R. Bat. Fine patina store model bat (34” long) with Babe’s facsimile signature, also marked: ‘Professional Baseball Fund’, ‘Oil Tempered’. H&B Co. label in center, Louisville, KY., made in U.S.A. C. 1950’s – 1970’s
Famous Quote Commemorative Bat. This one is a limited edition 34” Northern White Ash bat (# 128 of 250) with a natural finish. It has a burned image of Ruth with a facsimile signature and an engraved bio with a long list of accomplishments. Ruth’s famous quote: ‘If it wasn’t for baseball, I’d be in either the penitentiary or the cemetery’ is directly above his signature. Bat company logo is burned onto label, and a different one on the handle butt (comes with a Seal Of Authenticity). Where It All Began Bat Co. Cooperstown, N.Y., made in U.S.A. 1995
Babe Ruth Limited Edition ‘First Five’ Commemorative Decal Bat. This 34” White Ash bat is a Hall of Fame issue honoring the first five inductees when the Museum opened its doors in 1939 (# 194 of 500). Barrel has a beautiful color decal of the classic Bambino swing with his facsimile signature and statistics, while the handle has a ‘Hall of Fame’ color decal. Gold decal label reads: ‘Cooperstown Bat Co., Cooperstown, NY., made in U.S.A. 1991
‘The Bambino’ Commemorative Bat. One of a kind natural finish bat (34” long) with a burned image of the Bambino swinging a bat on the barrel, beside a brief bio. A Hot Iron Originals Bat Co label marked: ‘Burned by hand by J. Williams’ and another company logo on handle butt. Comes with Certificate Of Authenticity. Hot Iron Originals Co. 1996
Louisville Slugger Model 125 Commemorative Bat. Dark brown stained 34” bat (Hillerich & Bradsby Co.) with Babe’s facsimile signature beside his career statistics. C. 1990’s
Sealed Babe Ruth Commemorative Baseball in Display Case. This is a new ball with Babe’s facsimile signature, a brief bio, and a commemorative stamp celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is displayed in a clear acrylic case with a plastic gold base (from PKK) and comes with a Certificate Of Authenticity. All-Star Marketing Corp., Elmsford, NY. 1995
Rawlings Hand-Painted Baseball in Display Case. This official American League baseball (facsimile signature of Gene A Buday, President), has a nice hand-painted color portrait drawing of Babe Ruth in Yankee pin stripes, initialed by the artist DB/96 (Doug Brewer). It is also displayed in a clear acrylic case with a plastic gold base (from PKK). 1996
‘The Bambino’ Wood Baseball. Nice workmanship on this regulation-sized wood baseball with hand-burned seams, and a portrait image of the Ruth on one side. Other side burn-marked: ‘Babe Ruth # 3 The Bambino’ and ‘Burned By Hand By J. Williams’. Ball rests on a 2 ¼” diameter stained wood base. Hot Iron Originals Co. C. 1995
Baseball Immortals Ruth/Cobb Knife Box. Brown alligator collectors edition box (4 ¾” x 7 ½”) with images of Babe Ruth & Ty Cobb on the lid (Ruth knife on shelf # 4 in this cabinet/ Cobb in Cabinet # 1, shelf # 1). Frost Cutlery, Chattanooga, TN. 1990’s
Babe Ruth Caricature Die-Cut. Easel-backed cardboard cutout (6” x 11”) with a graphic drawing of the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes, swinging bat, marked: ‘Babe’ on the base. 1975
Babe Ruth D&M Die-Cut Picture. This black & white image was taken from the 1925 Draper-Maynard Catalog and depicts the Bambino advertising their G-41 Baseball glove (same white glove as on shelf). C. 1996
Babe Ruth Wiffle Balls in Sealed Package. Yellow cardboard sided pack with original store cellophane wrapping contains 3 white plastic wiffle balls, with raised seams. Box is marked: ‘Throw Curves’ in blue type. Empire, Tarboro, North Carolina (probably same company that made the Wiffle Ball Bat). C. Late 1950’s – 60’s
2 – Babe Ruth Baseball ® Cloth Patches. Circular red/white/blue patches (3” diameter) from the Babe Ruth Baseball League featuring a sewn batting image of their namesake inside a baseball (with red seams), which itself is inside a baseball diamond. Patches are slightly different; one has ‘Bambino’ in red thread stitched across the top, while other has a larger baseball diamond and a red-piping inside border, both labeled: ‘Babe Ruth Baseball’. C. 1950’s – 60’s
‘King of Swat’ Booklet. This thin paper back (5 ¾” x 8”) was written immediately following Babe Ruth’s death in ‘48’ (it just happens to be 48 pages) by the Catholic Order as a tribute to this great American Catholic baseball player and hero of millions. The cover pictures a black & white photograph of the Bambino (with his famous swing), super-imposed over a green-tinted picture of Yankee Stadium (referred to as the house that Ruth built). Published by Apostolate Of The Press/Pious Society of Saint Paul, December, 1948
Babe Ruth Negative in Original Envelope. Small manila envelope (2 ½” x 4 ¼”) stamped: ‘Babe Ruth’ and contains a cardboard folder, with an inner negative shot of the Bambino (waist up) marked: ‘King of Swat’. Instructions on envelope read: ‘Be Your Own Photographer: Place white paper (photographic paper), glossy side up, in holder, then slide negative over paper. Expose to direct sunlight for one minute. Remove negative and you have completed picture’. Sun Pictures. C. 1930’s – 50’s
5 – Vintage Babe Ruth League Bumper Stickers. How these have survived amazes me, but somehow they have. The paper backing is peeling and the glue is dried out, but they are still virtually intact. Each sticker (3 ½” wide x 15” long) has the red/white/blue Babe Ruth League logo on the left side and reads: ‘Passaic Recreation Baseball’ (New Jersey) in blue letters and ‘Babe Ruth League’ in red lettering. C. 1950’s – 60’s
Babe Ruth Caricature Drawing. Thin cardboard stock (3 ¼” square) is diamond-shaped with base paths and features a black & white head shot photo super-imposed on a caricature body of Ruth swinging bat against a blue background. It is marked: ‘Babe Ruth 714 homers’. C. 1970’s – 80’s
Sealed Bambino Die-Cut Greeting Card. Colorful cardboard die-cut of an older cheerful Ruth batting in Yankee pin stripes; the feet fold-out and fit into cutout slots of Yankee Stadium in the background (house that Ruth built). Card comes with a 5” x 7” envelope. Created by Cardesign, Oakland, Ca. 1980
Babe Ruth Napkin. White paper restaurant napkin (4 ¾” square) featuring a graphic blue image of the Babe from the chest up, bat on shoulder. Marked: ‘© Nini 81’. 1981
3 – Post Cards. Blank black & white photo cards of the Bambino and Yankee Stadium (The House That Ruth Built). 1980’s
22-Karat Gold Foil Card. The legendary Hall-of-Fame Yankee is immortalized in a dramatic 3-dimsional image on a shimmering surface of real gold. Expertly crafted, the meticulous engraving process involves a skilled craftsman to hand-inscribe every detail with steel dies to strike Babe’s likeness. Front portrays the Babe in a classic batting pose, reverse highlights his lifetime Major League statistics (# 30 in the gold baseball card set). The card is preserved in a crystal clear protective case and licensed by MLB. The Danbury Mint, Norwalk, Ct. 1996
Rold Gold/Kellogg’s ‘All-Time Greats’ 3-D Baseball Card. This is an early prototype set (# 6 of 15) issued two years prior to the Kellogg’s ‘All-Time Greats’ set in 72’. The blue-bordered card features the Bambino batting with a facsimile signature across his chest and Yankee Stadium in the background, marked: ‘Greatest Ever’. Reverse has a bio and career highlights. Xograph®, MLB Promo Corp. 1970
3-D ‘Decade Greats’. Black & white card (# 1 of 75) billed as ‘Magic Motion Baseball Cards’ that morphs between a batting image and an older head shot. The card represents the ‘Best of The ‘30’s set, when Babe was nearing the end of his remarkable career. Sportflics. 1986
Ruth ‘Baseball Greats’ Starting Line Up Card. Black & white photo card showing Ruth batting and came packaged with his Starting Lineup figurine. Reverse has career stats. Kenner. 1989
Swell Baseball Greats Card # 1. Black & white photo image of an older Ruth batting; reverse has bio and lifetime stats. Swell Cards, Philadelphia Chewing Gum Corp. 1989
Pacific Baseball legends Card # 176. Nice silver bordered card with featuring color photo of Ruth posing in a studio (looks like his Yankee road uniform). Reverse has bio and career stats. Pacific Trading Cards, Inc. 1989
2 – Conlon Baseball Cards. Black & white cards (#’s 110 & 145) from the 330 card set featuring the classic photography of Charles Conlon taken during the period 1905 – 1942. Card # 110 depicts a head shot of Babe in 1927; reverse lists career batting stats. Number 145 pictures Ruth in a Red Sox uniform batting; reverse lists career pitching record. The Sporting News and Megacards, Inc.. 1991
Score Ruth Card # 879. Front features a color photograph of Babe Ruth’s equipment with a pair 30’s Goudy baseball cards on top. Reverse has a long bio. Score Inc.. 1992
‘Ruthian Shots’ Card Set. Five card black & white set featuring old photographs of the Bambino. Megacards Inc. 1993
Baseball Weekly Commemorative Ruth Phone Card. Un-used pre-paid black & white ‘Tele Trading Card’ (10 minutes worth) celebrating the Bambino’s anniversary with a batting image and his facsimile signature. USA Today, and Tele Trading Cards, Inc., Fairfax, Va. February, 1995
Upper Deck Baseball Heroes Hologram Card # 73. Metallic card with an early color photo of Babe pitching in a Boston Red Sox uniform; reverse has bio and lists his career pitching stats. Upper Deck Co. 1995
The Babe Ruth Bat Certificate Of Authenticity Baseball Card. Black & white photo of the Bambino in mid swing marked: ‘Louisville Slugger by Hillerich & Bradsby Co., with a facsimile signature across the bottom. The limited edition card represents Bat Number (# 6506 of 25,000) of a Ruth Signature Bat replica. Reverse has a COA (Certificate Of Authenticity), facsimile signature, picture of the replica bat, and a brief bio. Signature Bats, LP, Ketchum, Id. 1995
Collect-A-Books Babe Ruth Booklet # 10. Mini child’s learning booklet (baseball card size) with cardboard front and back covers; front has a black & white photo and features a 4-page story with career highlights inside. From the Collect-A-Books Premier Edition by JCB. 1990
Shelf 2 (36 Total Items)
‘5-Cent Diamond Dust’ Punch Board. Nice colorful ‘Depression Era’ piece of bar room paraphernalia representing a long connection of baseball and gambling. Place a nickel on the bar, punch a hole and pull out a star player’s name to win a dollar (considered a lot during the depression). Among the several mysteries clouding “Diamond Dust’ is why ball players permitted their images to appear on what seems to be a calculated exploitation of nickels from naive customers. Made of multi-layered cardboard (5 ¼” x 8” x 5/8” thick) bound on all four sides; top section pictures 15 different graphic player images of future Hall of Famer’s, each with different numbers on chest (Ruth: 262): Gehrig, Foxx, Johnson, Dean, Medwick, Cochrane, Simmons, et. al. Bottom features 4 sections with 144 holes (576 total chances). As an additional incentive, the last punch in each section automatically received $1. Reverse has serial number and pocket that once contained the punch key. 1930’s
‘5-Cent Diamond Dust’ Punch Card. This flat cardboard lottery gambling version (5 ¾” x 9 ¼”) has 4 isolated punch-out sections totaling 578 chances. Also for a nickel per play, the customer was awarded a dollar if they punched out one of 19 different Major League players. This red board features photos (not illustrations) of the players (most are different from above), most are Hall-of-Fame’s, including Babe Ruth (# 366). Reverse retains paper company stamp and reads: ‘Take in $30, Pay Out $19’. Harlich MFG. Co., Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Ill. 1930’s
Babe Ruth Ceramic Ash tray. Nice embossed bust image of the Bambino on the front of this green ceramic baseball (with raised seams). The ash tray portion is on the top, along with 2 cigarette rests. Bottom marked: ‘Cooperstown Original’. C. 1940’s
Ruth U.S.P.S. Commemorative Coaster. Ceramic coaster (4” diameter) with pewter border and a cork underside features the newly-released 20-cent Babe Ruth stamp issue in the center, marking the 50th anniversary of baseball’s first all-star game (July 6, 1933). U.S. Post Office, Donnelley Marketing. 1983
‘The 60th Home Run’ Figural Stein. Large ceramic stein (7 ¼” tall) from the Premier issue of the ‘Portraits of a Legend’ collection, features a Babe Ruth figural handle (swinging bat), under the Yankee Stadium facade. Stein has embossed baseball décor and three different color panels of the Bambino in action, with memorable moments labeled below. Limited edition # A 0125 from Longton Crown under appropriate licenses. 1997
Babe Ruth Stadium Star Statue. Plastic action figure (7” tall) of the great Bambino (swinging bat) mounted atop an authentic replica (4 ½” x 5”) of Yankee Stadium, A.K.A. ‘The House That Ruth Built’. MLB & Kenner Toys. Made in China. 1997
Old Yankee Stadium Replica Sculpture. Beautiful-detailed stadium called ‘The House That Ruth Built’ is now recreated in remarkable detail, especially considering that it has just been relegated to the dust bin of history. Meticulously hand-painted and mounted on a handsome hardwood base, it comes with the celebrated Yankee Stadium sign and famous outfield billboards (authentically reproduced and readable) along with a Certificate of Ownership bearing the serial number (B8542). Danbury Mint, Norwalk, Ct. Made in China. 1996
Yankee Stadium Ball Park. Limited edition replica of the ‘former’ Home of the New York Yankees - will also be with you forever now that it has been rebuilt. Made of natural stone, this hand-painted miniature (6” x 6”) represents the old classic stadium, and even has the celebrated ‘Yankee Stadium’ sign on the front. Gold plaque on front labeled # 321 of 4,750. Sports Collectors Guild, Inc., ™ Phoenix, Arizona (handcrafted in Arizona). 1996
Yankee Stadium Musical Tin. Lithographed storage tin shaped and painted like Yankee Stadium plays ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game’ when you take the lid off. Stadia Tins Ltd. 1990’s
Babe Ruth Anniversary Collectors Tin. Decorative limited edition tin (7 ¼” diameter) featuring a color photo of the Bambino on the lid with a facsimile autograph that once contained Baby Ruth ‘fun size’ candy bars. Sides are painted in Yankee pin-stripes and marked: ‘Baby Ruth’ 3x. Underside features a brief bio along with lifetime stats as a hitter and pitcher. Nestlee’ Co, distributed by Perugina Brands of America. 1995
Sealed Baby Ruth Candy Bar. This is an association piece capitalizing on the fame of the great Bambino without having to pay out royalties (very lucrative as they have been in business many decades). Nestlee’ Food Company, Glendale, Ca.. C. 1995
Crystal Anniversary Bat. Limited edition 7 ¾” long bat (Baccarat Crystal?) with a smoked glass handle and a gold-etched facsimile signature of the Bambino (# 855 of 1995) celebrating his 100 years. There is also a multi-faceted crystal baseball affixed to top of bat. 1995
Rawlings Hand-Painted Baseball in Display Case. This ‘Official American League’ baseball (facsimile signature of Gene A Buday, President) features a black & white portrait drawing of Babe Ruth between the seams, in Yankee pin stripes, holding a bat. Ball is initialed by the artist DB/97 (Doug Brewer) and displayed in a clear acrylic case with a gold plastic base (from Sports Products Corp, Cleveland, Ohio). 1997
100th Anniversary Framed Photograph. Gold framed black & white photo of the Bambino teaching a child how to grip bat. Picture frame is mounted on a concave glass display along with a quote from Babe and a facsimile signature. 1995
2 – Bazooka ‘Great Moments In Baseball’ Bubble Gum Boxes. These cardboard boxes (3” x 6 ¼”) originally contained twenty-five pieces of Topps’ Bazooka bubble gum along with five baseball cards. Color front pictures Babe Ruth as a promo for the card series ‘with complete story on back’ for each moment featured. Reverse contains a black & white newspaper headline with a photo from that historic day: one is from Oct. 1, 1932 highlighting Ruth’s historic game that soon became known as ‘The Called Shot’ in the World Series, with an excerpt from the article underneath. The other box features headlines of the Bambino from May 25, 1935, bashing 3 home runs in a game for the Boston Braves (in what would turn out to be his final home runs after being traded), also with a photo and an excerpt from the paper’s article. Side panels contain 4 cutout ‘plaks’ from the 41 card ‘All-Time Greats’ set (8 total). Topps Chewing Gum, Inc., Duryea, Pa. 1963
7-Eleven ‘Hall Of Fame’ Cup. White plastic ‘Slurpee’ cup with a bust image of the Bambino on the front above his facsimile signature, marked: ‘Babe Ruth New York Yankees’. Reverse has a brief bio. 7-Eleven, division of the Southland, Corp. 1973
Babe Ruth Alarm Clock. White plastic wind-up (4” diameter) features a sepia-tone photo of the Bambino on the face beside his name, wearing a Yankee cap. Made in China. 1970’s
McDonalds ‘All Time Greatest Team’ Drinking Glass. Clear advertising glass (6” tall) with a 1962 ‘Topps’ baseball card (color) superimposed on the front; side has a large Ruth facsimile signature. Reverse is an exact copy of the card back with career statistics. Coca-Cola and McDonalds, Corp. 1993
100th Anniversary Clock. Plastic quartz clock with a multi-color face features a silhouette drawing of classic ‘Ruthian’ swing (3” diameter), mounted on a clear acrylic base with facsimile signature. Runs on a single ‘A’ battery. 1995
Coca-Cola Bottle with Babe Ruth Cap and Yankee Logo. Un-opened pop bottle with a Yankees ‘NY’ logo on the front is capped with an incredible-detailed bottle top featuring a painted batting image of the Bambino, by sports artist, Doug Brewer. 1996
Sealed Babe Ruth Baseball Card Kit. Cardboard box cover (6 ¼” x 8 ¼”) pictures the Bambino against Yankee pin-stripe background. Kit includes an over-sized ‘talking baseball card’ with Babe’s photo, a limited edition 20-card set, a collector’s album, and a booklet titled: ‘The Babe Ruth Story’. Collectors Marketing Corp., NY, NY. 1989
Sealed ‘The Story of Babe Ruth’ VHS Tape. This documentary features live action footage of the Bambino (including commentary by actor Pat O’ Brien, who witnessed his career) – from the ‘Famous Americans of the 20th Century’ series. Color jacket has an older black & white photo of Ruth in a Yankee uniform from the 30’s. Run time is 55 minutes, by Hearst Entertainment. 1991
Sealed Babe Ruth VHS Tape. Documentary with a color jacket picturing the Bambino labeled: ‘The Man, The Myth, The Legend’, narrated by Mel Allen (play-by-play announcer forever known as the ‘Legendary Voice of the New York Yankees’). Run time is 42 minutes, from Anchor Bay Entertainment, Inc., Troy, Michigan. 1995
Bronze ‘Fathers of Baseball’ Centennial Coin. Bronze proof collectors-edition coin (1 ½” diameter) with an embossed bust image of the Bambino on front marked: ‘Babe Ruth Centennial 1895 – 1995’. Reverse has a classic embossed batting image marked: ‘714 Home Runs’. Coin is mounted in a plastic case with gold type and features a small booklet with a brief bio, and Certificate of Authenticity. 1995
The Babe Ruth Collection Tin with Cards. Limited edition collector tin (5” x 6 ¼”) honoring the Babe with a 165 baseball card set of his very own. Colorful tin front pictures 3 of the cards from the collection. This large personal set features many black & white Ruth photographs never seen before, with lengthy stories explaining pictures on the reverse. Megacards, Inc. 1992
Metallic Impressions Collector Card Tin with Cards. This new card concept features a handsome black tin (3 ½” x 5”) with gold embossed bat décor along with an action picture of the Bambino on the front. Set contains five sealed, metallic framed Ruth cards inside (U.S. Patent No. 5,363,964), each with embossed décor and name plate; card fronts have different color pictures of Ruth. Reverse has a black & white photo with long bios. Cooperstown Collection by Metallic Impressions. Made in China. 1994
Limited Edition Ceramic Baseball Card. This is a new concept by Sports Impressions; it features a wafer-thin over-sized ceramic card (4” x 6”) with gold-leaf edging (# 434 of 714). Front has a drawing by Joseph Catalano, depicting the Bambino in five memorable poses, with Yankee Stadium in the background. Reverse lists career stats just like a regular baseball card. Sports Impressions, NY. 1988
Ceramic Baseball Card. Another limited edition wafer-thin card (# 320 of 2,950) features color images of the Bambino from his days as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox (from a painting by artist, Joseph Catalano). Reverse lists Ruth’s entire pitching record (even with the Yankees). 3 ½” x 4 ¾” overall. Sports Impressions, NY. 1992
Topps 100th Anniversary Ceramic Baseball Card. Delicate wafer-thin limited edition card (# 2,924 of 5,000) featuring the Bambino batting on the front with gold print. Reverse has a long bio and career batting stats. The Topps Co. and R&N China Co., Inc.. 1995
Golden Legends 22-Karat Baseball Card. The Bambino is immortalized once again in this prominent gold foil limited edition card (# 32,419 of 50,000) in the Golden Legends Series. The embossed images on front and back are expertly produced from a hand-cut die – similar to that of a medal or coin. Front portrays the Babe in a classic batting pose with a facsimile signature under the card. Reverse is serially numbered for authenticity and pictures Ruth in another classic batting pose and highlights some of his professional achievements. Comes with a plastic display base and licensed by MLB. 1994
Babe Ruth Playing Card. Beautiful color rendition of the Bambino on the reverse of this eight of spades, featuring Ruth at bat, pointing in the ‘32’ World Series, from what became known as the ‘Called Shot’. C. 1970’s
Topps Babe Ruth Baseball Card # 474. Black & white photo featuring the All-Time R.B.I. (runs batted in) leader from this 660 card set. Topps Gum. 1973
Babe Ruth Sport Deck Playing Cards in Sealed Pack. This card deck features original drawings by noted artist, Alan Landsman, who specializes in pencil drawings of famous personalities (52 total cards). From Alan Landsman, Sports Deck Division, San Diego, California. 1978
Babe Ruth ‘Donruss Greats’ Jig-Saw Puzzle. Un-punched color cardboard pieces by Perez-Steele, numbered and attached to a backing (21 total) of which were inserted into card packs instead of bubble gum to stimulate sales (a court ruling barred all new companies from inserting bubble gum due to an extensive lawsuit). Donruss, Co. 1982
Sealed Japanese Babe Ruth Card Set. Limited edition reprint set (gold stamp marked: ‘Babe Ruth in Japan # 284 of 5000’) featuring colorful ‘Superare’ caricature images of the Bambino from Japanese cards issued during the 20’s and 30’s. Superare Reprint Card Co. 1993
Shelf 3 (110 Total Items)
Bats:
‘Babe Ruth At Orpheum Theater’ Bat. This mini 5” long wood bat with a small stitched leather baseball affixed at the top was a give-away to fans when Ruth appeared at the Orpheum in St. Louis, in 1922. By that time baseball was taking off once again while the infamous ‘Black Sox’ scandal was fading into a bad memory. Bat is marked on the barrel in purple ink ‘Babe Ruth At Orpheum Theater’. 1922
Babe Ruth Underwear Advertising Bat. In addition to lending his name to many products, let us not forget this was at the height of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ and credit was flowing freely. This mini patina-ed bat (14” long), is marked on the label ‘Athletic Babe Ruth Underwear’ in reference to the sleeveless cotton under-garment he endorsed (Patent No. 1660222 on shelf # 1), to help stimulate sales. C. 1928
Souvenir Bat, Celluloid Charm & Ivory Baseball. Tiny wood bat (2” long) engraved ‘Babe Ruth’ on the barrel with a small chain through the handle. Attached to the chain is a small hand-painted celluloid batter charm (1 1/8” tall) with a chain loop attachment on top of his cap, marked: ‘Japan’ on his back. Also attached is a rare hand-painted ivory baseball (3/8” diameter), which is actually a black seamed button (see page 131 of Baseball Treasures by Kashmanian elsewhere in collection), and is hollow with a metal loop at top to be worn on a man’s waist coat. The tiny ball unscrews and contains 3 miniature dice inside (C. 1900). C. 1920’s – 30’s
New York Yankees Souvenir Charm Bat. This 9” long bat marked: ‘New York Yankees’ in black ink on the barrel has a metal chain through the handle with several vintage charms. One is a small hand-painted celluloid pitcher (2” tall) with a metal ring on top of head marked: ‘Japan’ on the back of his thigh. The other is a mini brass-patina-ed baseball (5/8” diameter). C. 1920’s – 30’s
2 – Mini Louisville Slugger Souvenir Bats. Different size Ruth bats, both with a facsimile engraved: ‘George “Babe” Ruth’ on the barrel and ‘Louisville Slugger’ company burned labels. One is 16” long (model 125); the other 22’ long (model 25). C. 1920’s – 30’s
Babe Ruth Drinking Glass. Clear advertising glass (5” tall) featuring a black & white batting image of the Bambino above ‘1936’, superimposed on the front. Signed by artist ??. Pepsi and United Oil. C. 1970’s
Rawlings Hand-Painted Baseball in Display Case. This is an ‘Official American League’ baseball (facsimile signature of League President Gene A Buday) with a black & white drawing of Ruth between the seams. The image is from Babe’s last appearance at Yankee Stadium and was captured from behind as he walked from the dugout to the microphone, for the last time shortly before he passed away from throat cancer. The ball is initialed by the artist DB/97 (Doug Brewer) and displayed in a clear acrylic case with a gold plastic base (from Sports Products Corp, Cleveland, Ohio). 1997
‘Called Shot’ MicroCozm ® Figurine. Mini hand-painted pewter figure (approx. 2” tall) from the ‘Great Moments In Baseball’ series; figure is mounted on a pewter base (1 ¾” x 2 ¼”) with Babe’s name engraved on the front. The decorative baseball motif background shows a catcher and fans in bleachers, reverse has a description of the ‘Moment’. Comes with original box (two figures to a box), certificate of Authenticity, and they are numbered. Longton Crown & Cooperstown Collection. 1996
Vintage Mini New York Yankees Pennant. Brown Ruth era felt pennant (4 ½” long) with a white image of a player holding the ‘Y’ in Yankees in one hand, glove and ball in the other. C. 1930’s
Mini Paper Pennant Premium. Red pennant on a white background (1 ¼” x 3”) recapping an early World Series played between the Yankees and NY Giants. Pennant reads: ‘1923 Yanks World Champions’, background reads: ‘Yankees 4 games, Giants 2 games’ (probably issued in a baseball card pack or confection product). This was the first World Series played at the new Yankee Stadium with Ruth hitting 3 home runs and drawing 8 walks as the Yanks inaugurated their new stadium with a World Championship (just as the 2009 Yankees did in their new stadium). C. 1950’s?
NY Yankees Cloth Patch. White circular baseball-shaped patch (3” diameter) with purple seams and ‘Yankees’ stitched across the seams in blue thread. A purple baseball bat replaces the ‘K’ in Yankees. C. 1950’s – 70’s
‘Home Run’ Candy Refrigerator Advertising Magnet. Grey laminated souvenir magnet (2” x 3”) pictures Ruth batting beside a picture of his ‘5-Cent Home Run Candy Bar’ (with his image on the wrapper) from the late 20’s. Reverse has a rubber magnet. Curtis, Indpls., In., made in USA. 1990’s
4 – Red Rock Cola Pop Bottles. Un-opened 100th Anniversary issued bottles (10 FL. OZ.) from the ‘Collector Series’ depicting different titles and images of the Bambino on each. One side features a color Red Rock label drawing of the Bambino batting (inside a baseball) with a facsimile signature on cap, proclaiming: ‘It’s The Finest Cola Drink I Ever Tasted’. Reverse side features different titled batting images and the number series is limited to. American West Breweries, Inc., Kennesaw, Ga. 1995
A. The Sultan Of Swat: (1 of 700)
B. Babe Ruth: (1 of 2,500)
C. The Bambino: (1 of 5,000)
D. The Called Shot with facsimile signature: (1 of 5,000)
Baby Ruth Cigar Crisper with Holding Tool. Glass lid with a painted tin frame that slides over an open a cigar box lid so one can view the stogies inside. The see-through lid also serves as a shelf to ‘tinker’ with them. Cream frame with red and black type reads: ‘5-Cents Baby Ruth America’s Greatest 5-Cent Cigar’. C. 1920’s
3 – Baby Ruth Cigar Bands. These decorative bands (2 ¾” long) were once wrapped around cigars that came in a Babe Ruth cigar box, with the above crisper. Bands are red with gold embossed décor marked: ‘Baby Ruth’ in the center, surrounded by ‘Tobaccos Primeros’. C. 1920’s
3 – Babe Ruth Leathers. These leather etchings depict classic poses of the legendary Bambino and are reminiscent of the L-1 leather tobacco premiums from 1912 (issued by Helmar cigarettes). These are shaped just like those miniature animal hides which pictured a prominent baseball player of the time. Each of these leathers (approx. 7” x 8”) has ‘Babe Ruth’ etched under the respective pose, and is signed by the artist ‘Williams’ (no date).
A. The legendary ‘Called Shot’ from the ‘32’ World Series against the
Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, on October 1st, during game 3 off pitcher,
Charley Root.
B. Ruth photographed from behind - captured during his last appearance at
Yankee stadium shortly before dying of cancer.
C. Classic ‘Ruthian’ left-handed batting swing.
Babe Ruth Pen and Pencil Desk Statuette. This extraordinary office desk ornament was a promo for the release of: ‘The Babe Ruth Story’. It has a bronze statuette of the Bambino completing his classic home run swing, with bat in hand. The statuette is set in a marble style desktop under glass, with his facsimile signature written in gold; base has 2 pen/pencils holders on either side of statue. Base is 4” x 7”, figure is 4 ½” tall. 1949
Babe Ruth Mechanical Lead Pencil. Black pencil (5” long) that actually looks like a pen; it has a gold pocket clip engraved with Babe’s facsimile signature and a small enameled baseball on top. No manufacturer. C. 1930’s
Babe Ruth Pencil. Un-used white pencil (7 ½” long) from the company that made Babe’s ceremonial monument, dedicated on April 19, 1949 (monuments are awarded posthumously) which resides in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium (honoring the greatest of the Yankee greats). This pencil has black & white replica image of the Bambino’s monument just below the eraser (eraser intact). Honeyspot Monument Works, Bridgeport, Conn. C. 1950
Baby Ruth Chewing Gum. Another rare association piece of confection capitalizing on the popularity of the Yankee Star. The red & white wrapper contains four original sticks (2 ¾” long) of ‘peppermint’ gum inside. Curtiss Candy Co. Chicago, Ill. C. 1930’s
‘Babe’s Choice’ Milk Bottle. The Babe’s nickname and image has been used many times in such a way that companies could capitalize on his success without paying out royalties, and is considered an association piece. This one quart glass bottle (10” tall) has an image of a ballplayer swinging in classic ‘Ruthian’ pose (right handed swing, Ruth was left-handed) marked: ‘Babe’s Choice’ and ‘Twin Maple Farm’. Reverse reads: ‘Guaranteed The Best of Maine’. C. 1970’s – 80’s
Babe Ruth Hallmark Doll in Box. This little stuffed-cloth rag doll (7” tall) of the Babe in his Yankee (Home) pinstripes (# 3 on back) is part of Hallmark's ‘Famous American’s Series 1’ collection. The decorative box is actually a die-cut of Yankee Stadium (The House That Ruth Built) and comes with a flap that opens revealing the Bambino behind cellophane, while the inside flap has a bio on Ruth. Hallmark Cards, Inc., K.C. Missouri, made in Taiwan. 1979
‘Babe Ruth League’ Trophy. Nice gold-plated swinging batter figure (10” tall), mounted atop a gold column engraved ‘Babe Ruth League 1949/52 MVP’. White plastic (or bakelite?) base marked: ‘Kaao Trophies, Los Angeles, USA. 1949/52
Ruth League Trophy. This rare gold-plated trophy figure dates to much earlier then the inception of the Babe Ruth League (most-likely an older re-cycled trophy). It depicts a 19th Century batter wearing bell-bottom pants and is mounted on a nice metal base with a gold plaque engraved: ‘Babe Ruth League Batting Champion’. Trophy is early 1900’s, probably re-awarded in the 1950’s.
26 – Stadium souvenir pins – Variety of celluloid pin back buttons of the Bambino that were mostly issued at stadiums by vendors, inserted into food packaging to sell products, or awarded to club members such as the ‘Babe Ruth Club’.
Sunoco ‘Ask Me’ Pin Back Button. This Ruth advertising pin (3” diameter) features a color ¾ profile portrait of the Bambino alongside the phrase: ‘Ask Me’. These buttons were meant to be displayed on the uniforms of Sunoco (some say Texaco) Gas Station attendants during the ‘30’s and is the largest vintage pin back button ever issued featuring Ruth’s portrait (also early buttons were mostly black & white or sepia-toned). 1930’s
Babe Ruth Memorial Souvenir Pin. This celluloid stadium pin back (1 ¾” diameter) was issued in memoriam of Babe Ruth and sold at Yankee Stadium as a one day event. It features a black & white image of Ruth batting against a black background, with his name written across the bottom. Attached is a red, white, and blue ribbon and a celluloid baseball charm with engraved seams. C. 1948
2 – ‘Babe Ruth Champions’ Quaker Oats Pins. This rare celluloid pin (7/8” diameter) features a black & white headshot of an older ‘Bambino’ against a white background with Babe smiling in his Boston Braves cap (the last team he played for). The other is a newer version, slightly smaller with a different pin clasp on back (C. 1950’s). Parisian Novelty Co., Chicago. C. 1935
‘Babe Ruth, Babe Ruth, We Know What He Can do’ Promotional Pin. This white pin back (7/8” diameter) with black type was issued to advertise the sheet music song of the same title and reads: ‘Babe Ruth, Babe Ruth, We Know What He Can do’ and ‘sells for 25-Cents’. 1928
Babe Ruth ‘Member Baseball Club’ Pin Back. Black & white ‘Quaker Oats’ premium pin (1” diameter) features a baseball with black stitching with a younger picture of Ruth smiling between the seams, with his facsimile signature. C. 1930’s
‘Hello Babe’ Souvenir Pin Back. Uncommon celluloid pin (7/8” diameter) pictures a smiling Babe Ruth in black & white wearing a Yankee cap; pin is captioned: ‘Hello Babe’ in red. The pin was issued in conjunction with a motion picture in which Ruth was featured. Back is stamped: ‘Bastian Bros’, Union Label, Rochelle, NY. C. Late 1920’s
‘Babe Ruth’ Celluloid Pin. Rare small un-catalogued black & white pin (¾” diameter) depicts a young head shot of Ruth wearing a Yankee cap with his name spelled in block letters beneath his chin. 1930’s
‘Babe Ruth Club’ Premium Pin. Scarce tin-lithographed pin (7/8” diameter) depicting a smiling image of the Bambino in a tank top against a white background at his athletic best. Inside reads: ‘Greenduck Co., Chicago and shows several union stamp logos and # 1,215,675 (not a patent NO.). C. 1920’s – 30’s
‘Babe Ruth League Booster’ Pin Back. This 1” diameter pin dates back to the inception of the Babe Ruth League; it is red with a blue diamond over a white background and features a graphic image of Ruth swinging a bat between the seams of a baseball. The button also reads: ‘For Boys 13, 14 and 15’. C. 1951 – 52
‘Babe Ruth’s Own Team’ Pin. White pin (1 ¼” diameter) with blue type marked: ‘Babe Ruth’s Own Team’. 1950’s
‘I Support Babe Ruth Baseball’ Pin. White pin (1” diameter) with red lettering promoting the Babe Ruth Baseball League which was started in New Jersey in 1950, marked: ‘I Support Babe Ruth Baseball’. C. 1950’s
HF1 Ruth Pin. Large color pin (3” diameter) from the ‘Baseball Hall of Fame’ set (# 1 in the series) pictures a bust image of the Babe in Yankee pin stripes against a blue background. C. 1960’s – 70’s
Babe Ruth World Series Advertising Pin. Nice red pin (1 ½” diameter) featuring Babe in the center surrounded by: ‘Babe Ruth World Series, Mattoon, Ill., 1969. Back marked: ‘Osco Drug’. 1969
MLB Ruth Pin. Large multi-color pin (3 ½” diameter) with a black & white photo of an older Babe (pre 1935) with a bat on shoulder, surrounded by stars on a red & white background marked: ‘Babe Ruth New York Yankees’. Major League Baseball (MLB) & Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). 1969
Sultan of Swat Pin. Black & white pin (1 ½” diameter) designed to resemble a baseball features a head shot photo in the center between the seams. Pin has a facsimile signature and is marked: ‘Sultan of Swat’. C. 1950’s – 70’s
Babe Ruth Pin. This color pin (3” diameter) features a prominent head shot of an older Ruth (pre 1935) wearing a Yankee cap. Edge marked ‘© Arthur K. Miller. C. 1960’s – 80’s
Ruth/Gehrig Souvenir Pin. Color pin (1 ¾” diameter) depicting a photo (publicity shot from the 1920’s) of the Yankee duo with Gehrig’s left arm resting on Babe’s right shoulder while he examines a baseball; both are wearing home pin stripe uniforms. C. 1970’s – 80’s
‘Never Forgotten’ Pin. Mustard color pin (1 ½” diameter) depicting a black & white publicity photo from the 1920’s of Ruth holding 3 bats, wearing Yankee home pin stripes. Pin reads: ‘Babe Ruth - Never Forgotten’. C. 1970’s – 80’s
2 – ‘Member Baseball Club’ Pins. There are two variations of this (1 ½” diameter) pin, the difference being the type of pin clasp on reverse. The pin itself is an even later version of the ‘30’s’ ‘Quaker Oats’ premium pin (1” diameter size) designed to resemble a baseball with a different black & white photo of Ruth in the center between the red seams with a facsimile signature (one is slightly yellowed). C. 1970’s – 80’s
‘Home Run King’ Pin. Designed to resemble a baseball, this newer pin is 1 ¾” diameter, made to look old and features a black & white head shot photo of the Bambino in the center, between the seams. It is marked: ‘Home Run King – Babe Ruth’. C. 1970’s – 80’s
Over-Size Color Bambino Souvenir Pin. This 6” diameter pin features a ¾ length batting image of Ruth in Yankee pin stripes. Interestingly, there is a cardboard insert backing with a pin clasp that is pre-cut and appears to an easel back stand (no markings). C. 1970’s – 80’s
Babe Ruth Birth Place Pin. Modern day white pin (2 ¼” diameter) from the Babe Ruth Museum with a graphic batter marked: ‘Babe Ruth Birth Place, Baltimore, Maryland’. 1990’s
‘Esso’ Gasoline Premium Pin Back Badge (another on shelf # 4). These were given out by ‘Esso Stations’ as a promotion to those kids who joined the ‘Babe Ruth Boys Club’ as a ‘Charter Member’. The pin awarded is metal (1 ½” diameter), slightly concave and designed to look like a baseball with red & blue stitching and reads: ‘Babe Ruth Boys Club’ and ‘Esso Dealers Stations’. C. 1920’s – 30’s
Contest Premium Pin Back Badge (another on shelf # 4). ‘Esso’ Oil Company sponsored contests to win a Babe Ruth Fielder’s glove, a personally signed baseball or a trip to Babe Ruth Spring Training Camp - then hired Babe Ruth, who was considered larger then life, to shake hands with contest winners and participants. The pin awarded is metal (1 ½” diameter), slightly concave and looks like the side of a baseball with raised red stitching. Ruth’s facsimile signature appears between the seams and reads: ‘This Pin Certifies Babe Ruth Shook My Hand’. Reverse has period style pin clasp. C. 1930’s
3 – Brass Key Rings. Assortment of Yankee/Ruth related key rings.
A. Elongated locker-room style key ring (1 ¼” x 2 ½”) with ‘Ruth # 3
engraved in the center along with ‘Yankee Stadium’ at the top. Lowell
Sigmund, 1976
B. Circular medallion (2” diameter) with an embossed Yankees ‘Top
Hat’ ® logo on the front. Lowell Sigmund, 1978
C. Heavy circular hotel-style key ring (2” diameter) engraved: ‘Babe Ruth 3’
on the front; ‘3’ on reverse . C. 1970’s
27 – Metal Coins/Medallions:
Sterling Commemorative Ingot. .999 pure silver limited edition coin (1” x 2”) limited to a production run of 6000 (un-numbered). The embossed front features a prominent bust image of the Bambino beside a smaller batting image. Reverse has raised crossed bats and ball motif marked: ‘The Babe George Herman Ruth 1895 - 1948’. World Wide Coin Investments Limited. C. 1970’s?
Bronze ‘Legends of Baseball’ First Edition Medallion. This 1 ½” diameter medallion features a concave front with several embossed Ruth batting images by noted cartoonist, Bill Gallo, in addition to a Ruth facsimile signature as well as Gallo’s. Reverse has raised bats & ball design with a lengthy bio on the Babe. 1972
Ruth 714 Bronze Medallion. Limited edition (2500 production run) rectangle coin (1” x 2”) with an impressive high relief image of the Bambino swinging bat (covering the entire front) marked: ‘Babe Ruth 19895 – 1948’. Silver Creations Ltd., American Coin + Stamp Co., Inc. 1973
Whitehead & Hoag Brass Newark News Benefit Medallion. This 1 ¼” diameter coin reads: ‘Issued by the Newark News for the Benefit of The Babe Ruth Foundation Children’s Cancer Fund’ which is written on the reverse. Front features an embossed batting image of the great Bambino marked: ‘George Herman Ruth 1895 – 1948’ in raised lettering along the outer edge. C. 1950’s
Calabro Sterling Commemorative Coin. 1 ½” diameter coin by famed sculptor John Calabro features an embossed profile bust on the front marked: ‘George Herman Ruth 1895 - 1948’ in raised lettering along the outer edge. Reverse features a prominent embossed full-figure batting image surrounded by raised lettering: ‘The Greatest Slugger In Baseball History’ and ‘An Inspiration To American Youth’. National Commemorative Society, 1969
Brass Tribute Medallion. Handsome 2 ½” diameter medallion with a raised relief Bambino bust and facsimile signature on the front; prominent raised batting image on reverse marked: ‘Tribute To The Babe – 714 Lifetime Home Runs’. There is also an embossed Official Babe Ruth Baseball League logo. Medallic Art Co., Danbury, Conn. 1974
‘The Called Shot’ .999 Silver Minted Coin. This concave beauty features an embossed profile bust on the front marked: ‘Babe Ruth’, George Herman Ruth, # 3’ and a Yankees logo all in raised lettering along the outer edge surrounding the profile image. Reverse has an incredible embossed scene of Babe at bat, pointing, with catcher, ump and bleachers behind him labeled: ‘World Series’ and ‘The Called Shot 1932’. Outer rim marked: ‘The Metal Arts Co., Inc., Rochelle, NY’. (no date)
Brass Babe Ruth Museum Contributor Coin. This 1 ½” diameter coin was issued upon entering the Babe Ruth Shrine/Museum which was originally the house that Babe actually grew up in – and just happens to be located down the street from Camden Yards (Baltimore Oriole/the first professional team Ruth played for). The front features an embossed batting image with Babe’s most impressive stats. Reverse has a raised relief image of the building marked: ‘Babe Ruth Birth Place 216 Emory St. Baltimore, Md.’. Mid 1990’s
‘American Sports Greats’ Sterling Coin. This is yet another One Troy OZ. of .999 Fine Silver Ruth coin (1 ½” diameter), with a raised bust of the Bambino, marked: ‘George Herman “Babe” Ruth – 1895 – 1948’. Reverse has a bat & glove with a bio and a scroll plaque marked: ‘American Sports Greats’. (no date)
Rufo Limited Edition Brass Ruth Medallion. Nice circular (2 ½” diameter) medallion (# 1623) with an embossed ¾ profile image on front marked: ‘Babe Ruth 3’. Reverse is a baseball with raised seams marked: ‘Babe Ruth – The Sultan Of Swat’ along with his facsimile signature and a bio between the seams. Rufo, 8/96
2 – Mardi Gras Coins. Two different finishes to this Mardi Gras tribute coin paying homage to the Yankee Hall-of-Fame Outfielder: one is brass, the other has a gold finish on a light-weight alloy. Each is 1 ½” diameter with an embossed batting image of Babe in pin stripes with ‘Yankees’ across his uniform and reads: ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game’ in raised lettering. Reverse features a raised Masonic crest marked: ‘Krewe Of Endymion’ and ‘New Orleans Mardi Gras’. 1967
Silver Mardi Gras Coin. This light-weight silver alloy coin (1 ½” diameter) paying tribute to the Bambino is from the ‘Famous American’ series. The coin features a prominent raised bust image beside a smaller batting image surrounded by Olive Branch décor and a facsimile signature. Reverse features a raised crest (different from above) marked: ‘Krewe Of Jefferson’. 1989
2 – ‘Official Babe Ruth Medal’ Coins. Different finishes to this heavy (1 ½” diameter) coin; one is gold, one silver. Both feature a prominent embossed bust image of Ruth batting with his facsimile signature on front. Reverse had a raised full-figure batting image with a Babe Ruth League logo and reads: ‘The Official 1974 Babe Ruth Baseball Medal’ in raised lettering. 1974
2 – ‘Babe’s Dream’ Commemorative Coins. These brass and silver coins (1 ½” diameter) were issued as commemoratives with the unveiling of the 9 ½’ foot statue of ‘Babe’s Dream’ by sculptor Susan Luery, outside Oriole’s Park at Camden Yards. Like that statue, each coin front portrays a raised image of young Ruth leaning on a bat with his left arm, fielder’s glove hanging from his right hand - with a stadium image in the background (statue actually stands outside center field at the Eutaw St. entrance where most fans enter stadium). Reverse describes the 100th Anniversary of ‘Baltimore’s Native Son’ in raised lettering (incidentally the house Babe grew up in is right down the street and now a Museum). 1995
Gold Republic of Liberia Centennial Coin with Sleeve. Brilliant un-circulated commemorative coin (1 ½” diameter) minted and layered with pure 24-Karat gold by the Republic of Liberia to mark the 100th Anniversary of Babe Ruth’s birth. Front features an embossed bust image marked: ‘Babe Ruth – Sultan Of Swat’ in raised lettering along with his birth and death dates. Reverse had a raised Republic OF Liberia crest. The black leather sleeve contains a bio on Ruth, a first day issue cover (February 6, 1995) bearing the post mark of Baltimore, Maryland – the exact anniversary and site of Babe’s birth and the issue date of the Liberian coin which is inserted, along with four U.S. postage stamps (3 baseball): 3-cent Baseball Centennial (1939), 6-cent Professional Centennial (1969), 20-cent Babe Ruth (1983) and a 4-cent Flag Series (1957). Fleetwood, Cheyenne, Wyoming. 1995
Silver Republic of Liberia Centennial Coin. This 1 ½” diameter commemorative coin design is the same as previous; except this one is one contains ounce of fine silver (no sleeve). 1995
Silver Double Eagle Commemorative Medal. 1 ½” diameter coin depicting the Bambino in a raised batting pose from the waist up (in Yankee pin stripes) labeled: ‘George Herman Ruth’, ‘The babe’ and ‘Sultan of Swat’. Reverse features two raised eagles perched on arrows. National Historic Mint (no date).
‘You Are A True Champion’ Coin. This coin (1 3/8” diameter) features a high relief bust on the front marked: ‘Babe Ruth 1895 – 1948 in raised lettering. Reverse is marked: ‘You Are A True Champion’ in the center and showers the Bambino with more honors along the outer rim. (no date)
2 – ‘Greatest Player of All Time’ Coins. Two different finishes to these metal coins (1 3/8” diameter); one has a gold finish, the other silver. Front depicts a raised bust image marked: ‘George Herman “Babe” Ruth 1914-1935 - Greatest Player of All Time’ around the outer edge. Reverse is marked: ‘Sports Coins Incorporated’. (no date)
3 – The Official Babe Ruth Centennial Prestige Set of Coins with Case. This set holds 3 (1 ½” diameter) coins, each with a different metal finish. Fronts feature a raised bust image marked: ‘Babe Ruth Centennial 1895 – 1948’ in raised lettering. Reverse features an embossed full body batting image in classic ‘Ruthian’ style with a facsimile signature marked: ‘Fathers Of Baseball – 714 Home Runs’ in raised lettering. The black felt hinged case has a cardboard insert with a bio on Ruth and description of each coin with individual plastic protective pockets. 1995
A. Solid Bronze
B. One Troy Oz. .999 Fine silver
C. 24 Karat Gold Layered over nickel-silver
Bronze ‘Fathers Of Baseball’ Centennial Coin with Sleeve. This individual bronze proof collectors-edition coin (1 ½” diameter) is the same as the previous bronze coin above. It has an embossed bust image of the Bambino on front marked: ‘Babe Ruth Centennial 1895 – 1995’. Reverse has a classic embossed batting image marked: ‘714 Home Runs’ and ‘Fathers Of Baseball’. Coin comes mounted in a plastic case with gold type and features a small booklet with a brief bio, and Certificate of Authenticity. 1995
3 – Bambino Belt Buckles. Beautiful limited edition gold-finished pewter buckles each designed and shaped differently with embossed images of the Bambino surrounded by raised and/or etched type. Reverses have a different bio on each highlighting his career. Officially licensed product, American Legends Foundry.
A. Portrait: (# 212 of 10,000), 1993
B. Portrait with Bat: (# 250 of 10,000), 1993
C. Batting Image: 100th Anniversary Commemorative, (# 373 of 10,000).
Reverse has a Ruth facsimile signature signed embossed baseball. 1995
2 – Babe Ruth Door Stops. These hand-painted metal stops (9” tall) are made of recycled materials and depict the Bambino with a bat on shoulder and are mounted on a semi-circular green base. Each is finished differently and weighs about 3 - 4 pounds. Silver store stamp marked: ‘Heritage Metal Craft, made in Maine’ on bottom. 1990’s
A. New York Yankees: White with pinstripes (home uniform).
B. Boston Red Sox: Grey road uniform C. 1910’s style (grey with red trim).
Mini ‘The Sultan Of Swat’ Collectors Plate. Gold-bordered plate (4 ¼” diameter) featuring five different color images of Ruth along with interior and exterior shots of Yankee Stadium in the background. Plate is signed by artist Joseph Catalano (# 433 and limited to a production run of 714). Curtis Management Group and Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1988
‘The Great Bambino’ Tankard. 10” tall limited edition collector’s stein features a pewter-hinged lid with a baseball thumb tab to go along 2 ¼” tall batter trophy on the top. The white porcelain sides have gold-leaf trim framing a colorful mural depiction with three Ruth images and Yankee Stadium in the background (‘The House That Ruth Built’). Comes with a Certificate Of Authenticity (edition # 322 of 3714), in association with Curtis Management Group, Babe Ruth Baseball League, and the Babe Ruth Family, from the Cooperstown Collection. 1993
Baseball Bat Watch Case (watch displayed on shelf # 4). This is a thick mini wood bat (9 ½” long) with the Bambino’s engraved bust image burned on the barrel. The case is hollowed out to house a watch and opens via two swivel brackets. 1990’s
Ruth Bowie Knife Display. Genuine Bowie knife with a surgical steel blade picturing a lazar-etched bust image of the Bambino beside an action shot swinging bat, along with a facsimile signature. Blade is also labeled: ‘George H. ‘Babe’ Ruth 1895 – 1948, Commemorating Rookie Year 1914’. Stained wood stand is 13” long with tier to display knife (blade is 6 ½” long, 11 ½” overall). Frost cutlery, Chattanooga, Tn.. 1995
Babe Ruth Collector’s Knife with Case. Wood-handled folding knife (4 ½” closed) featuring a hand-painted relief sculpture of the Bambino standing atop a baseball embellished with 24-karat gold and engraved with a facsimile signature. Bolster is even accented with 24-karat gold and inset with a green enameled baseball diamond relief bearing Ruth’s uniform number – 3. The stainless blade has a gold facsimile signature (7 ¾” overall) and comes with a black cushioned case. Franklin Mint, Franklin Center, Pa., made in China. 1996
Ruth ‘Cooperstown Collection’ Starting Line Up Figurine in Sealed Pack. This plastic bendable Ruth figure depicts a young Ruth pitching in a grey Boston Red Sox uniform (1914 – 1919). Cardboard package contains a baseball card sealed behind plastic. Kenner, 1993
Cards
Topps Scoop Baseball Card # 41. Off-size horizontal card (2” x 3”) featuring a color drawing of Babe with Yankee Stadium in the background captioned by: ‘Babe Ruth Sets Record – September 30, 1927’. Reverse has a newspaper headline: ‘Babe Hits Sixty’ from the ‘Chicago Daily Sun-Times’ with a drawing of Ruth and description of the event. Topps Co. 1954
Topps ‘Greatest Sports Hero’ Baseball Card (# 143). Babe was honored with a 10-card subset highlighting his illustrious career in their regular issued card set. Topps Co. 1962
Topps Valentine Foldee Babe Ruth # 34. Red triple folding card (from the 55 card set) picturing the Bambino’s image in the center under the title: ‘You’re a Champ Like’... (2 ½” x 4 5/8”). Topps Co. 1963
Rold Gold/Kellogg’s ‘All-Time Greats’ 3-D Baseball Card. Rare prototype set (# 14 of 15) issued two years prior to the Kellogg’s ‘All-Time Greats’ set in 72’. The blue-bordered card features an image of the bambino batting (different image from card # 6) with a facsimile signature across his chest and Yankee Stadium in the background marked: ‘Greatest Right Fielder’. Reverse has a bio and career highlights. Xograph®, MLB Promo Corp. 1970
Babe Ruth Playing Card. This ‘Ace of spades’ features a color portrait drawing of an older Bambino on the reverse in a Yankee uniform. The U.S. Playing card Co., Cincinnati. 1973
Topps Baseball Card # 345 (from the 660 card set). Topps Co. 1976
Sports Immortals Card # 1. Color front features a picture of the Bambino from the cover of the Bantom soft cover edition of: ‘Babe Ruth – The Real Story Of The King Of Swat’ by Tom Meany (hard cover: Grosset & Dunlap, Inc., NY. 1951). Reverse features a bio on Ruth’s career. C. 1980’s
Babe Ruth First Day Issue Silk Cachet with 20-Cent Stamp. Small envelope (3 ½” x 6 ½”) issued on the very day the US Post Office unveiled the new 20-cent Babe Ruth stamp in his honor. The cachet features a beautiful gold-bordered image (2 ½” x 3”) of the classic Bambino swing (color version of stamp), with ten former player autographs. Post marked July 6, 1983
‘The Called Shot’ Card. this color card by artist Brent Benger (came with the collector’s plate of the same title – displayed on shelf # 4) features a drawing reenactment of the Bambino’s legendary Home Run in the ‘32’ World Series. Reverse features a long bio on Ruth. Delphi Brandex # 84-D19-19.1. 1992
Silver Metallic ‘Sultan of Swat’ Baseball Card. Limited edition card (# 2,122 of 5,000) pictures the Bambino in his classic ‘Ruthian’ swing. Family of babe Ruth and the Babe Ruth Baseball League Inc. 1994
Post Card. Un-stamped color card featuring an original painting titled: ‘Babe Ruth’ by noted sports artist, Arthur K Miller. The Art Asylum. C. 1990’s
Shelf 4 – (161 Total Items) Stadium souvenir pins/ pin backs
Bambino Tapestry. This is an incredible multi-colored and detailed needle-point (15” x 18”) with a cranberry border depicting a prominent sewn image of a classic Bambino swinging the bat in the foreground with Yankee Stadium and full tiered stands in the background. C. 1950’s?
Ruth ‘5-Cent Diamond Dust’ Punch Board. This fully-intact cross-collectible lottery gambling device from the ‘Roaring Twenties’ is an earlier version then the two different punch boards displayed on shelf # 2.
Place a nickel on the bar, punch a hole and pull out a star player’s name to win $1 (20 – 1 return). Interestingly, the players were not compensated for the use of their images. Made of multi-layered cardboard bound on all four sides (5” x 7 ¾” x 7/8” thick); top section pictures 19 different player photographs each with a different number on chest (Ruth # 462). Most are Hall-of-Famer’s: Walter Johnson, Grover Alexander, Tris Speaker, Herb Pennock, et.al. Bottom has 40 sections of 10 un-punched foil holes each (400 total chances); the holes are effected by a designed ‘punch key’ still intact on the rear. As an additional incentive, the last punch in each section automatically received $1. Reverse has several paper labels. 1920’s
Ruth’s Base Ball Game. This early hand-held dexterity game is known as an association piece because the manufacturer was able to capitalize on Babe Ruth’s fame - without having to pay out royalties. Tin framed game with a glass front (3 ½” x 4 ½”) features a colorful cardboard baseball diamond playing field with four pegs mounted on top of each base. The object of the game is to maneuver each of the four rubber discs (one is cracked), one at a time, onto the pegs (instructions on reverse). Patented, James R. Irvin & Co., Inc., Chicago. C. 1930’s
‘King of Swat’ 8mm Castle Film in Original Box. These silent movies were produced for both 8mm and 16mm projectors. It stars: ‘The Immortal Babe Ruth’ in ‘Perfect Control’ and is housed in a blue box (5 ¼” x 5 ¼”) with an image of Ruth batting (# 3 on jersey) superimposed over Yankee Stadium with jam-packed bleachers. United World Films, Inc. C. 1940’s
‘King of Swat’ 8mm Castle Film in Original Box. This silent movie version stars: ‘The Immortal Babe Ruth’ in ‘Slide Babe, Slide’ and is housed in a green box (5 ¼” x 5 ¼”) with the same Ruth batting image superimposed over a packed Yankee Stadium. United World Films, Inc. C. 1940’s
‘King of Swat’ Mini 8mm Castle Film in Original Box. This is a 3” x 3” mini version of ‘The Immortal Babe Ruth’ in ‘Slide Babe, Slide’ and is housed in a green box (same image on front as above). C. 1940’s
2 – NY Yankees Miniature Pennants. Tiny felt pennants (2 ¾” long); one is navy blue labeled: ‘Yankees’ in gold type. The other is red with ‘Yankees’ spelled out in white. C. 1930’s
Figural Statues:
Wickham Hand-Painted Porcelain Statue. This limited edition hand-cast statue features a 6 ½” tall bust of the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes, with a facsimile signature of the sculptor on Babe’s back. Statue is mounted on a solid walnut base labeled: ‘Babe Ruth’ on a brass name plate (# 99 of 250). Carole Wickham, USA. 1990
Hartland Figural Statue with Box. These early hand-painted injection-molded statues are hollow, made of hard plastic acetate and became a huge success among collectors and baseball enthusiasts due to the likeness of their childhood heroes. This 7 ½” tall statue depicts the Bambino leaning on a bat in Yankee pin stripes, pointing (reminiscent of the ‘Called Shot’ in the ‘32’ World Series). Box is faded and partially torn. Hartland Plastics. C. 1958 – 62
2 – Hall of Fame Busts (one with original box). These 6” tall plastic busts feature an off-white bust statue of the Bambino mounted on an imitation plastic wood base. Displayed upon the base is a plaque with a small bio listing Ruth’s career highlights. One is displayed in its original attractive box which is red & gold with white columns surrounding the player, which is visible inside. Reverse features portrait images of the players offered in the set. Produced by Sports ‘Hall of Fame’, Inc and originally sold in Cooperstown, NY. 1963
Dallas Hartland Figural Statue with Box. This 7 ½” limited edition hand-painted statue is made of hard plastic and is from the exact same mold as its predecessor listed above. This figurine features the Bambino wearing a grey (road) uniform. C. 1988
4 – Plastic PVC Babe Ruth Statues (3 sealed). Ruth is featured here in a grey road uniform, bat on shoulder, pointing (in reference to the ‘Called Shot’ in the 1932 World Series off Cub pitcher, Charley Root). The plastic figure’s are 4” tall and mounted on a 2” diameter base with a Yankees ‘NY’ logo (3 of the 4 statues are factory sealed with hang tags). The Babe Ruth Estate and Sports Impressions, made in China. 1992
2 – Pewter ‘Signature Miniatures’ Statues. Fragile 4” tall pewter sculpted die-cast figures of the Bambino (depicting the ‘Called Shot’) with his name written on the base. One of the figures has a gold wash finish. Metallic Creations, USA. 1979
Hand-Painted Batter Trophy. This is a 6” tall modern gold-plated trophy featuring a left-handed batter, expertly finished in a Yankee road (grey) uniform. Figure is mounted on a white marble base (2 ½” x 3 ½”) with ‘Babe Ruth’ engraved on the front plaque. 1980’s
‘Golden Era’ Bobbin Head/Nodder Figurine. This limited edition ceramic figurine is 7 ½” tall from the ‘Hall-of-Fame Series’. The statue depicts Ruth with an over-sized head wearing Yankee pin stripes holding a bat, with a facsimile signature on the front of a white square base. It comes with a neck tag printed with Ruth’s facsimile signature, the limited edition number and original box. Created by Pat Flynn of Mankato, Minn. Nodders Inc., USA. 1990
SAM Bobbin Head/Nodder Figurine. Nicely crafted and detailed limited edition ceramic figure of the Bambino features an over-sized head (different from above) in Yankee pin stripes leaning on a bat, with his name written on front of a square red base. Figure is approximately 8 ½” tall and comes with original box, neck protector, and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Sports Accessories & Memorabilia, Menlo Park, Ca. Crafted in Taiwan. 1992
Babe Ruth Hand-Painted Porcelain Figurine. This limited edition statue (# 525 of 5000) depicts the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes swinging a bat. Statue is mounted on a 2 ½” x 4 ½” base made of the same material, with a facsimile signature and rests on a stained wood base. Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1987
2 – ‘Sultan of Swat’ Porcelain Figurines. These limited edition statues are 7” tall and feature the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes after a ‘Ruthian’ swing – watching his ball sail over the fence. The figures are hand-painted and mounted on a 2 ¾” x 4 ¼” base made of the same material, have a facsimile signature and rest on a stained wood base. Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1988
A. White with blue pin stripes (Home): # 439 of 714
B. Grey Uniform (Road): # 440 of 714
2 – Mini Porcelain Hand-Painted Figurines. Well-detailed statues (approx. 5” tall) from the ‘Members Only’ series featuring the Bambino wearing a Yankees cap, swinging a bat; both are mounted on a base of the same material and have a facsimile signature on the front plaque. The bat is made of wood, removable and has two rings above the handle. Sports Impressions, made in Thailand. 1992
A. White Pin stripes (Home) mounted on a tan and green base.
B. Grey road uniform mounted on a brown base.
Red Sox Pitcher Mini Porcelain Figurine. Limited edition statue (# 320 of 2,950) featuring young Babe in a Boston uniform (grey with red trim) as a pitcher. Statue is mounted on a textured base of the same material, with a facsimile signature on front, in addition to his career pitching record (94 wins, 46 loses), all of which rests on a stained wood base. Sports Impressions, made in Thailand. 1993
4 –Starting Line-Up Plastic Figurines. Starting Lineups (abbreviated SLU’s) were a line of collectible sports figurines produced by the American toy company Kenner, from 1988-2001. Each pose-able action figure is a 4” – 5” likeness of the Bambino (similar in style to the ‘Transogram’ figures of 1969-70 in Cabinet # 5, shelf # 2). Licensed by Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). Kenner, Cincinnati, Ohio, made in China.
A. Yankees: Babe with bat, Grey (Road) uniform, 1989
B. Yankees: Babe with bat, White (Home) uniform, 1989
C. Boston Red Sox: Pitching, Grey uniform, 1993
D. Sealed Figurine: Yankee Grey uniform with bat, pointing, Cooperstown
Collection, 1995
Limited Edition Salvino Figurine. This ceramic statue features Babe in a Yankee road uniform the moment after swinging a bat, with wild eyes admiring his shot. Figure stands 7” tall, has a removable wood ‘Louisville Slugger’ bat and is mounted on a ceramic home plate base with pegs under the feet. Gold sticker on under base marked: # 2,499 of 10,000. Salvino Inc., Corona, Ca. Made in Mexico. 1996
Rawlings ‘Babe Ruth League’ Baseball. This is an official league ball with a cushioned cork center made in Haiti. It is housed in a clear plastic case with a round gold base by PPK from the 90’s. Ball is C. 1960’s
Jewelry:
Sterling Engraved Hat Pin. This is a woman’s hat pin from the ‘Roaring Twenties’ that features a small, well-detailed bat (1 ½” long) with a textured handle, label and a facsimile engraved signature of the Bambino on the barrel. Bat is mounted on the end of a 7 ½” long pin. C. 1920’s
Silver ‘Big Leaguer’ Bat Lighter with Case. Metal bat-shaped cigarette lighter (3 ½” long) with a textured handle and an engraved Babe Ruth facsimile signature on the barrel (bottom of knob engraved: ‘The Big Leaguer’). Bat lighter comes with a small, felt-lined leather case with a snap front and stainless ends. C. 1940’s
Tie Bar/Cap Charm. This small silver bat is 1 ¾” in length with a textured handle and has a facsimile signature of Babe Ruth across the barrel. Reverse has a clasp, and a dangling baseball cap. Cap appears to be sterling with bill underside engraved: ‘925’. C. 1920’s – 30’s
Bat & Ball Key Ring/Chain. This small silver bat (1 ¾”) has a facsimile signature of Babe Ruth on the barrel is attached to silver baseball with engraved seams. Bat & ball are attached to a silver chain and ring. C. 1920’s – 40’s
Ruth Belt Buckle. This little silver gem (1” x 2”) is a child’s buckle and features an embossed bust image of Ruth wearing a Yankee cap, with his facsimile signature, amid a crossed bats and ball theme. Marked: ‘Harris Belts’. C. 1930’s
Brass Babe Ruth Champions’ Pin. This small 7/8” diameter pin was issued upon Ruth’s trade to the Boston Braves in ‘35’ at the end of his career and depicts a raised relief bust image of him wearing a ‘B’ on his cap, marked: ‘Babe Ruth Champions’ in raised lettering. Period pin clasp on reverse. C. 1935
‘Esso’ Gasoline Premium Pin Back Badge (1 more on shelf # 3). These were given out by ‘Esso Stations’ as a promotion to those kids who joined the ‘Babe Ruth Boys Club’ as a ‘Charter Member’. The pin awarded is metal (1 ½” diameter), slightly concave and designed to look like a baseball with red & blue seams labeled: ‘Babe Ruth Boys Club’ and ‘Esso Dealers Stations’. C. 1920’s – 30’s
Contest Premium Pin Back Badge (1 more on shelf # 3). ‘Esso’ Oil Company sponsored contests to win a Babe Ruth Fielder’s glove, a personally signed baseball or a trip to Babe Ruth Spring Training Camp - then hired Babe Ruth, who was considered larger then life, to shake hands with contest winners and participants. The pin awarded is metal (1 ½” diameter), slightly concave and looks like the side of a baseball with raised red seams. Ruth’s facsimile signature appears between the seams and reads: ‘This Pin Certifies Babe Ruth Shook My Hand’. Reverse has period style pin clasp. C. 1930’s
Gold-Plated Locket. Oval locket (1 ½” x 2”) with chain loop and chain engraved: ‘In Memory of Babe Ruth – August 16, 1948’. Locket opens to reveal two small picture frames. C. Late 1940’s – 50’s
Brass Babe Ruth Foundation Medallion. Front of this 1” diameter medal features a raised relief image of the Bambino swinging a bat marked: ‘Babe Ruth Foundation Sportsmanship Award’ along outer edge. The foundation was established shortly after Babe’s death. Reverse honors the Bambino in raised lettering. C. 1950’s
New York Yankees Charm Bracelet. 7” long inter-locking silver clasped chain with a dangling bat, ball and letters spelling out ‘YANKEES’. 1950’s
2 – All-Star Game 50th Anniversary Souvenir Pennies. Flattened copper pennies from the ‘83’ All-Star game at Chicago’s Comiskey Park honoring Babe Ruth from the original All-Star game which debuted in the midst of the ‘Great Depression’ on July 6, 1933, also at Comiskey Park. In that very first game Babe inaugurated it with the games first official home run in the 3rd inning. These pennies feature a raised batter image with a stadium in the background, marked: ‘Babe Ruth, Sultan Of Swat’, July 6, 1983
Bronze Limited Edition Medallion. This 3” diameter high relief medallion of the Bambino is meticulously sculpted (originally from wood) by master sculptor Armand LaMontagne. Front depicts a large bust image of Babe in a Yankees cap with facsimile signature, # 3 and LaMontagne’s facsimile signature. Reverse is designed to be a baseball with info on the Babe in raised lettering and another LaMontagne facsimile signature. Medallion is edge-marked (# 0767 of 2500), comes with a COA, and is displayed on its own brass stand. Legends ™. Mid 1990’s
Babe Ruth ‘Quaker Oats’ Premium Score Keeper. This scarce celluloid novelty mail-in was only distributed as a cereal premium and facilitated tracking a games progress in handy fashion, designed to be fastened to a fan’s watch fob by means of a slotted, protruding tab. Scorer is 1 ¾” diameter and features a dominating black & white head shot of Ruth grinning, with a ‘B’ on his cap, following the Bambino’s departure from the Yankees late in the campaign, his last and subsequent employment with the Boston Braves. Outer edges have five thumb-wheel dials enabling the operator to record: ‘Home’ and ‘Visitors’ Balls, Strikes, and Innings. Reverse has colorful playing field game scene and still retains the original leather strap. Parisian Novelty Co., Chicago. 1935
Novelty Rings – This is another cross-over collectible popular with ring collectors as well as baseball enthusiasts. It is fitting that Babe Ruth, the most famous player in baseball history, was the first to be honored with a sports ring. Beginning in 1934, Babe’s final season with the New York Yankees, Muffets Whole Wheat Biscuits, made by Quaker, featured Babe’s smiling face in all of its advertising - which had Ruth offering free baseball gifts in exchange for box panels from the cereal. Among the gifts were baseballs, baseball caps, watch fobs, charm bracelets, and of course, the ring. In the ad which featured large window displays, Ruth said: "You can have these swell baseball gifts absolutely FREE. Just pick out the ones you want and send me the coupon below with box panels from Muffets Whole Wheat Biscuits. Don’t wait. ACT NOW!"
The promotion obviously worked very well for Muffets - since the company continued offering the gifts in 1935 and 1936. So well, in fact, that other Quaker companies such as Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice began offering the ring and other baseball gifts with box tops from its cereals.
Brass ‘Baseball Club’ Premium Ring. Described in ‘Babe’s Big Book’ as gold-plated, the design features a baseball in high relief, with engraved seams on the front. The sides feature embossed crossed bats and baseball gloves motif; one a fielders glove, the other a catcher’s mitt. The adjustable shank ring was billed as: ‘fits every finger’ and purchased with just two box tops. 1934 – 35
Brass Cereal Premium Ring. This rare beauty also has an expandable band and features a catcher mask front in raised relief. The sides have crossed bats and ball motif. C. 1934 – 35
4 – ‘Kellogg’s Cereal Premium Rings. These colorful hard plastic novelty rings were issued by ‘Kellogg’s Raisin Bran’ after the success of competing brands, enticing children to chase this premium set as it offered images of famous actors, actresses and sports figures; Babe Ruth being the only baseball player. Each ring has the ‘Bambino’s’ image (a drawing of Ruth swinging a bat inset in a ½” circle from the waist up), wearing Yankee pin stripes, with his name across the bottom. The Color image is very fragile and flakes easily. The Ring itself is open, and about ¾” diameter, identical, one to another, except for colors; blue, red, yellow, and varying background shades. 1949
Brass NY Yankees Logo Ring with Glove & Ball Charm. This is an expandable metal ring (one-size-fits-all) featuring a laminated color ‘Top Hat’ logo. Attached to the ring via a small chain are two gum ball charms; one is a brass fielder’s glove, the other a baseball. Ring is C. 1970’s, charms C. 1950’s
Charms:
3 – Ruth Key Chain Charms. These charms were sold in the familiar plastic capsules that were dispensed from coin-operated vending machines located in and outside of candy stores - enticing kids with the black & white photo images of their favorite ball players. The frames are made of plastic, come in various colors (blue, brown, copper, clear) and shapes (rectangle, circular, octagonal) and have a plastic top loop for the key chain insertion or to be hung from a bracelet. The charms offered here depict three different head shots of the Bambino. ¾” x 5/8”. C. 1950
Key Chain Charm. Clear plastic sleeve with a chain at the top housing a black & white head shot image of the Bambino above his printed name. These charms were vended from gum ball machines and housed many different players. C. 1950
Wood Nickel. Front depicts a burned image of the Bambino above his name and reads: ‘The-Pride-Of-Baltimore-MD – George Herman Ruth’. Reverse pictures a buffalo in the center labeled: ‘United States Of America Wooden Nickel’. 1 ½” diameter. C. 1970’s
Wooden Advertising Disk. This 1 ½” diameter ‘Babe Ruth Contest’ disk features a burned head shot image of the Bambino in the center (different from above) with his name and is marked: ‘Booth 637’. Reverse marked: ‘Non Tox Chemical Co.’ and ‘Graphics ‘78’. Apparently this particular company sponsored a Babe Ruth Contest at a convention. 1978
Ruth Photo in Plastic Picture Frame. Black & white photo of the Bambino housed in a 2” square frame by ‘Deeseplay’. Pat. Pend. C. 1970’s – 80’s
Pewter Key Ring. This neat little key chain features an engraved pewter version of the 1983 Babe Ruth 20-cent USPS stamp (1 ½” x 1 ¾”). C. 1983
Plastic Key Ring with ‘Mr. Ruth’ Picture. Small sealed plastic frame with key ring at top contains a mini color photograph (1 ¼” x 2”) of an original portrait painting of an older Ruth (in Yankee uniform) by noted sports artist, Arthur K Miller. 1990’s
Knives:
5 – Baseball Bat Pocket Knives with Chain Loops (all different). These small decorative Babe Ruth endorsed knives are made of bakelite, crafted in the shape of a bat, with Babe’s facsimile signature engraved on one side beside a baseball. Each is unique with several different color patterns (2 ½” long, 4 ½” open); 3 have double blades, 2 have single blades (blades marked ‘Camillus Cutlery Co. N.Y.) all with a metal loop at one end for key chain attachment. C. 1920’s – 30’s
‘60 Home Runs’ Pocket Knife /Key Ring. Bleached wood bat-shaped handle labeled: ‘Babe Ruth – 1927, 60 Home Runs – Souvenir’. Handle has a metal clasp and chain on butt end with a 5/8” bakelite baseball charm. Blade 1 ¾” (4 ¼” open) marked: ‘Colonial Prov. USA. C. 1950’s
Wood-Grained Baseball Bat Pocket Knife. This brown single-bladed bat-shaped knife features a ‘Babe Ruth’ facsimile signature beside a baseball on one side. Blade is 4” closed, 6 ½” overall, Camilus Cutlry Co., NY. C. 1930’s
Babe Ruth Commemorative Knife with Box. Smooth white bone-handled limited edition knife paying tribute to the Bambino (# 272 of 5,000). Handle is hand-painted by nationally renowned artist O.D. Bush and features a head shot beside a batting image with a facsimile autograph and is marked: ‘Sultan of Swat’. Knife has a nickel silver bolster with a highly polished single surgical steel blade. Comes with a C.O.A. (Certificate of Authenticity) and a cushioned display box (3 ½”, 6 ½” overall). Frost Cutlery Company. 1988
Babe Ruth Pocket Knife with Wood Case. Beautiful ivory handled knife features a color image of the Bambino batting on one side with a facsimile signature. Knife is from the ‘Baseball Immortals Collectors Edition’ by Frost Cutlery and has a surgical steel blade marked: ‘George Herman Ruth 1895-1948 714 Career Home Runs’. It comes with a brown case (shared with Cobb in Babe Ruth cabinet, shelf # 1). Blade is 3”, 6 ¾” overall, Frost cutlery, USA. 1990’s
Case XX Collector Knife with Music Box Display. Double-bladed Trapper knife (4 ¼” closed) with full custom color imprinted blades and red textured handle. One blade features a Ruth bust beside a red facsimile signature; the other reads: ‘George Herman Ruth 1895-1948, 714 Home Runs’. The custom built Walnut display box has a papered inner label and a push button that plays: ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ in addition to a paper insert with Babe’s bio. Case, USA. 1990’s
Limited Edition Bear Hunter Knife. White bone-handled knife commemorating Babe’s rookie year features a head shot beside a batting image, print labeled in red reads: ‘George H. “Babe” Ruth, 1895-1948, Commemorating Rookie Year 1914’. Nickel silver bolster engraved: # 045, Solingen stainless steel blade (3 ¼”, 7” overall). Bear Hunter. 1990’s
Sultan of Swat Novelty Knife. This is a white single-bladed knife with a poly/acrylic handle that features a blue image and type. One side features a bust image of Babe beside a batting image and facsimile signature and reads: ‘Sultan of Swat’. Blade marked: ‘Flying Falcon’ (2 ¾” long, 6” fully open). 1990’s
Nostalgia Picture Pen Knife. This novelty knife is reminiscent of the ‘40’s - ‘50’s picture-handle knives and features the Bambino batting with his name, a smaller inset head shot drawing and # 3 - in a green sealed acrylic handle with a single carbon steel blade. Reverse is solid black (3 ½” closed, 6” overall). Novelty Knife Co., USA. 1990’s
3 – Zippo Baseball Stamp Souvenirs. Clever concept featuring three different pieces each laminated with authentic Babe Ruth 20-Cent USPS stamps from 1983 featuring a classic ‘Ruthian’ swing (all stamps appear to be cancelled). Zippo, Bradford. Pa. C. 1980’s – 90’s
A. Lock Blade Knife: Single stainless blade with 3 stamps.
B. Money Clip/Knife: Stainless knife, scissors and nail file, with 2 stamps.
C. Cigarette Lighter: Black Matte Zippo with one stamp.
Watches:
Novelty Pocket Watch with Chain. This 1 ¾” diameter baseball face features a black & white head shot of Babe sandwiched between his facsimile autograph and is also labeled: ‘Sultan of Swat’. C 1950’s – 70’s
Wrist Watch with Baseball Case. This original watch features a color image of the Bambino holding two bats with a facsimile signature across the chest, surrounded by a baseball diamond. Watch comes with a reddish leather band and the original plastic baseball case that separates in half at the seams. Case has raised red seams and reads: ‘Official Babe Ruth (facsimile signature) Wrist Watch, Sports Watch of Champions’. By Exacta Time Corp. 1948
Souvenir Wrist Watch. This is a later Canadian version of the same previously mentioned watch, with a light green face, facsimile signature, gold base metal case and comes with a green leather alligator band. C. 1950’s – 70’s
Musical Novelty Wrist Watch. Gold-plated watch with a prominent black & white photo of Babe swinging bat with a facsimile signature. Watch is supposed to play: ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ (not working) and comes with a genuine light brown leather wrist band. Valdawn, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, made in China. 1994
Art Watch. This gold-plated watch features nice color photo of Babe posing with bat on shoulder beside a facsimile signature and near empty bleachers in background (1920’s publicity photo). It has a stainless steel back, Japanese movement and comes with a genuine light brown leather wrist band. VP Art. Mid 90’s
Waltham Wrist Watch with Store Tag. This beauty has a 1 ½” diameter brass face with a prominent black & white photo in the center of the Bambino swinging a bat above his facsimile signature, and shows fans in the bleachers behind him (1920’s publicity shot because he’s looking into camera). Watch has a stainless steel back with a quality Japanese movement and comes with a genuine brown leather wrist band with Babe’s burned facsimile signature. The 100th Anniversary store tag has Babe’s facsimile signature and personal information (watch is companion piece with bat case on shelf # 2). Waltham & Curtis Management. 1995
100th Anniversary Wrist Watch. This Waltham watch has a silver face with Roman Numerals and a prominent black & white photo of Babe swinging bat (in classic ‘Ruthian’ pose) from live game action. The image shows fans visible in the bleachers; watch has a stainless steel back with a quality Japanese movement and comes with a genuine black leather band. Watch face is 1 ¼” diameter. Waltham & Curtis Management. 1995
Novelty Wrist Watch. Gold-plated watch (1 ¼” diameter) with a brown sepia-tone like face features a head shot photo of Babe beside his printed name. The casing is stainless steel with a brown, alligator-style, leather band. China. C. 1980’s – 90’s?
Mini Bats:
‘Babe’s Musical Bat’ Souvenir Harmonica. Mini bat-shaped wood instrument (3 ¾” long) that really plays, with an obvious reference to the ‘Bambino’. Marked: ‘Pat. Appd. For, Germany’. 1930’s
Mini Louisville Slugger Replica Bat. Babe’s bat, only this one is 4 ½” long and features a ‘George “Babe” Ruth’ facsimile Trade Mark signature on the barrel along with a Louisville Slugger label. Marked: Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. C. 1980’s – 90’s
Refillable Babe Bat Pen. This wood pen is 6” long with a burned: ‘Babe Ruth’ facsimile signature on the barrel; label is marked: ‘Repubat’. A removable handle slides off to reveal the ball point which is held in place by a 1 ¼” long gold neck which screws into the shaft and holds the refill in place (uses standard pen refills). 1990’s
Pen/Pencils:
‘Depression Era’ Fountain pen. Blue plastic pen with a screw on top featuring a small ¼” diameter baseball on the top with silver pocket clip engraved with Babe Ruth’s facsimile signature. Manufactured by ‘Pato’. C. 1930’s
Babe Ruth League Advertising Pen. Black plastic clicker pen (5 ¼” long) featuring a large enameled ½” diameter red-seamed baseball clicker on top with a silver pocket clip. Shaft reads: ‘I Helped A Boy Play “Babe Ruth” Baseball’. Ritepoint, USA. C. 1960’s
Vintage World Champions Pen & Pencil Set with Original Shipping Box. Wood bat-shaped ink pen & matching mechanical pencil (6” long) identically marked: ‘New York Yankees’ with an ‘NY’ logo on the ‘sweet spot’ and ‘World Champions’ on the label. Could this set be from the year of Babe’s ‘Called Shot’? Pen comes with a replacement tip and is packaged in an aged red cardboard box with a postal label marked: ‘P. O. Box 2500, Paterson, N.J.’. C. 1930’s – 40’s
Mechanical ‘Louisville Slugger’ Lead Pencil. Yellow plastic bat-shaped pencil (5 ½” long) featuring a Babe Ruth facsimile signature on the barrel with a ‘Hillerich & Bradsby’ label; these were sold at Yankee Stadium concession stands. C. 1960’s – 70’s
4 – Souvenir Pencil Clips. These celluloid clips are new, made in the likeness of the Cleveland Indian clips from the late 40’s. They are 7/8” diameter and feature Babe Ruth photos (same photo as two of his ‘30’s memorabilia pins). C. 1980’s
2 – Black & White 1935 Boston Braves marked: ‘Babe Ruth Champions’ pin.
2 – Yellow border clip with head shot marked: ‘New York Yankees - Babe
Ruth’.
2 – Babe Ruth Pencil Erasers. Pair of unused white erasers (1 ¼” x 2 ½”) marked: ‘Babe Ruth Birthplace # 3’ in blue type. Mid 1990’s
2 – Mardi Gras Coins. Light-weight alloy coins (1 ½” diameter) paying tribute to the Bambino from the ‘Famous American’ series; one red, one blue. Coin features a prominent raised bust image beside a smaller batting image surrounded by Olive Branch décor and a facsimile signature. Reverse features a raised crest marked: ‘Krewe Of Jefferson’. 1989
2 – Souvenir Pins.
A. Babe Ruth League: Tiny multi-color pin (approx. ½” diameter) of the
same basic design as the Babe Ruth League patches on shelf # 1.
Reverse has a screw clasp. C. 1970 – 80’s
B. Babe Ruth Museum: Round metal pin (7/8” diameter) featuring a baseball
center with gold-leaf seams and Babe’s facsimile signature. Blue outer
rim reads: ‘Babe Ruth Museum, Baltimore, Maryland’. Reverse has push
pin back marked: ‘Gift Creations, Taiwan’. 1995
100th Anniversary Crystal Baseball Paper Weight. This Baccarat crystal ball (slightly smaller then regulation) features raised seams with a gold leaf image of the Bambino batting beside his facsimile signature. 1995
2 – Red Rock Cola Commemorative Soda Cans. These empty red 12 FL. OZ. cans feature a drawing on both sides of the Bambino batting (labeled Babe Ruth on his cap) inside a baseball proclaiming: ‘It’s The Finest Cola Drink I Ever Tasted’. American West Breweries, Inc., Kennesaw, Ga. 1995
‘Hall of Fame Cola’ Can. Empty white can (12 FL. OZ.) featuring a ‘30’s Babe Ruth ‘Goudey’ baseball card image (# 149) for ‘Big League Chewing Gum’ on one side. Reverse features the back of that card which is a bio on Babe. Hall of Fame Cola, Orangevale, Ca. Mid 1990’s
Red Rock Cola Pop Bottle. Un-opened 100th Anniversary issued bottle (10 FL. OZ.) from the ‘Collector Series’ (1 of 2,500). One side features a colorful Red Rock label drawing of the Bambino batting (inside a baseball) with a facsimile signature on his cap, proclaiming: ‘It’s The Finest Cola Drink I Ever Tasted’. Other side features a ‘Babe Ruth’ 100th Anniversary label. American West Breweries, Inc., Kennesaw, Ga. 1995
Baseball Legends Tin. Colorful empty card tin (4” square x 3 ¼” tall) with decorative baseball motif featuring black & white photos from actual baseball cards; the Bambino is on one side, Mays, Clemente and Ted Williams on the others. Top has a baseball diamond marked: ‘Baseball Legends’. C. Late 1980’s
‘The Called Shot’ Collectors Plate. Beautiful limited edition ceramic plate by acclaimed artist Brent Benger (# 16448I) is the first issue from ‘The Legends of Baseball’ collection. The 8 ¼” diameter plate has a 22-karat gold-bordered rim and features the Bambino watching a moment after hitting the legendary home run during the ‘32’ World Series in Wrigley Field. An incredibly-detailed background shows teammates watching from the dugout with red/white/blue bunting draped over the stands and fans dressed in period clothes during the ‘Great Depression’. Delphi Brandex # 84-D19-19.1. 1992
Hallmark Souvenir Ornament. This 3” diameter ornament of the Yankee Hall-of-Fame Right Fielder is the first in the ‘Baseball Heroes Series’ offered by the company. It features a white plastic batting relief over a textured baseball diamond background, with Ruth’s name printed on a plaque, and comes with a hang loop at top. Reverse has a brief bio. Hallmark Cards, Inc. 1994
3 – Pewter Belt Buckles (gold versions on shelf # 3). Limited edition buckles designed and shaped differently; each features embossed images of the Bambino surrounded by raised and/or etched type. Reverse of each has a different bio highlighting his career. Officially licensed product, American Legends Foundry.
A. Portrait: (# 218 of 10,000), 1993
B. Portrait with Bat: (# 257 of 10,000), 1993
C. Batting Image: 100th Anniversary Commemorative, (# 308 of 10,000).
Reverse has a Ruth facsimile signature signed embossed baseball. 1995
5 – Hand-painted Bottle Caps. Incredible workmanship on these numbered caps (1 - 5), each one featuring a different multi-colored image of the great Bambino (from wire photos during his remarkable career). Painted by sports artist Doug Brewer. 1996
‘36 Dodge Commemorative Coin Bank. Limited edition metal vehicle bank (1:25 scale model) commemorating Ruth’s 714 career home runs. Car is red, white & blue with white wall tires and features 6 Ruth-related decals; ‘Sultan of Swat, 714 Home Runs’, etc.. It also has a gold front grill and rear bumper with two license plates, one labeled: ‘714’. Coin slot in accessed through rear panel doors, key for the trap is attached underneath. Car is numbered, limited to a production run of 2,500 and comes with Certificate of Authenticity (6 ¾” in length). Made by Liberty Classics, Libertyville, IL., made in China. 1995
’36 Dodge Commemorative Coin Bank. Limited edition metal vehicle bank (1:25 scale model) commemorating Ruth’s 60 Home Run Season in 1927. Car is cream, with green sides, black running boards, white wall tires and features a gold front grill & rear bumper with license plate labrled ‘60’ and 8 other Ruth-related decals. Coin slot in accessed through rear panel doors, key for the trap is attached underneath. Car is numbered, limited to a production run of 2,500 and comes with Certificate of Authenticity (6 ¾” in length). Made by Liberty Classics, Libertyville, IL., made in China. 1995
Limited edition Kenworth T-600 Tractor Trailer. 100th Anniversary commemorative 1:64 scale model truck (12” long) limited to a production run of just 1,000. The blue metal cab has a gold chassis and features a Ruth facsimile signature on the roof and 100th anniversary decals on the side doors with a fire racing stripe on the hood. Trailer door actually opens and both sides feature a drawing of the Bambino marked: ‘Babe Ruth – An American Legend - 1895 - 1995’. ‘Rooftop resume’ lists his top career statistics. White Rose Collectibles, made in China. 1995
’57 Ford Convertible Coin Bank. Limited edition 1:25 scale model vehicle bank featuring the Bambino riding in the passenger seat of a convertible beside Santa Claus with the rag top down. Replica car is aqua and red, with white wall tires and features five Ruth-related decals, including a facsimile signature on the hood, and baseball equipment on the back seat. Trunk lifts to access the coin slot; key for the trap is attached underneath. Car is numbered, limited to a production run of 2,500 and comes with Certificate of Authenticity (6 ¾” in length). Liberty Classics, Libertyville, IL., made in China. 1996
Bally’s Casino $5 Anniversary Chip. This gambling chip commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the ‘36 Inaugural Election (honoring the first five inductees) into the Baseball Hall-of-Fame. The red & yellow chip features a black & white batting photo of the Bambino in Yankee pin stripes marked: ‘The Grand Babe Ruth’. Reverse lists the other players. 1996
2 – Souvenir Refrigerator Magnets. Laminated color advertising magnets (2” x 3”) featuring the Bambino endorsing a product (from the 20’s - 30’s). Reverse has a rubber magnet. Ruth by Curtis, In., Ind., made in USA. 1990’s
A. Red Rock Cola: Red, same label as the soda can on this shelf.
B. Babe Ruth Underwear: Green with smiling picture advertising the
underwear featured on shelf # 1.
Cards/Paper:
Babe Ruth Tobacco Card. This cigarette card is most likely the first issued Ruth baseball card after being trade from Boston to New York. It is a color card (1 ½” x 2 ½”) featuring Babe in a pitching pose marked: ‘Babe Ruth, Pitcher’ and looks like he is still wearing a Red Sox uniform (without the Sox logo on his baseball cap). If so, this would mean card is a re-issue from 1919 by the tobacco company (with the noted team change). 1920
R423 Mini Baseball Card with Babe Ruth. This interesting baseball relic is 7/8” wide by 8” long and contains thirteen black & white player photos which all fold into a single accordion-style card and include Hall-of-Famers: Ruth, Cobb, Dean, Mack, Waner, Greenburg and Lemon. Reverse has an orange background with a baseball diamond and players in white. 1950
Unique Ruth Photo Card. Interesting black & white photo image of card # 41B from ‘The Book Of Knowledge’ ‘Wonders of the World Picture Flash Cards and Quiz Game’. The card depicts Ruth at bat with an ‘A’ on his cap (have never seen this Ruth picture before). Reverse has Ruth bio. 3 ½” x 5 ¾”. ED-U-Cards Mfg. Corp., L.I.C., NY. 1960
Bazooka ‘All-Time Greats’ Gold Baseball Card. Decorative bordered plax (cigarette-size card) that was originally inserted five to a box of Bazooka Bubble Gum, as part of their 41 card Hall-of-Fame set, along with 25 pieces of bubble gum. Card shows a seldom seen profile image of the great ‘Bambino’ without his baseball cap. Topps Chewing Gum, Inc., Duryea, Pa. 1963
Babe Ruth Comic Book Foldee # 12 of 44. This neat three page cardboard cigarette-size card (1 ½” x 2 ½”) features a graphic image of Babe on the cover which is divided in half and refolds in such a way as to make 9 ‘Funny Pictures’ with other characters inside: Wanda the Witch, Wonder Woman. National Periodical Publications, Inc. 1966
American Oil Sweepstakes Card. These perforated ‘Winner’s Circle’ cards were distributed by American Oil Service Stations with the Grand Prize being: a 1968 Corvette or Camaro. Customer could win the prize shown on the card (this card is for 1 dollar) by collecting both the portrait and the action picture of the subject depicted on the card. Front features a circular drawing of the Bambino beside a bio. Reverse has sweepstake rules. American Oil Company. 1968
Gold Hall-Of-Fame Plaque Card. Standard size gold-toned metal baseball card (2 ½” x 3 ½”) from the Hall-of-Fame set sold at the National Baseball Hall-of-Fame & Museum, Cooperstown, New York. Card has a gold border surrounding a decorative baseball motif plaque and features a bust of George Herman (Babe) Ruth above a brief bio. 1981
‘Donruss Champions’ Card. Oversized baseball card (3 ½” x 5”) with a prominent color action drawing beside a small bust insert (artwork by noted baseball artist Dick Perez. Reverse has bio and stats, from the set (# 1 of 60). Donruss. 1984
Silver Trading Card™ with Coin in Sealed Pack. Color card with a circular cutout housing a One Troy OZ. .999 pure silver coin (1 ½” diameter) limited to 15,000 produced. Card features a batting image of Babe on the front with a write-up, back has career statistics. The coin front features a prominent embossed head shot image under a facsimile signature labeled: ‘Sultan of Swat’ along the outer edge. Reverse has coin information in raised lettering. Silver Card ™ © The Money Co. 1992
Action ® Packed Ruth Card # 94. Red and gold bordered card with an embossed color image of Babe’s ‘Ruthian’ swing. Reverse has career stats and highlights. Hi-Pro Marketing, Inc. 1993
Babe Ruth Hall-OF-Plaque Post Card. Large cardboard version (3 ½” x 5 ½”) of the Gold Hall-Of-Fame Plaque card (see description above). Sold at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, NY. 1995
‘Mr. Ruth’ Post Card. Un-stamped color card featuring an original portrait painting of an older Babe Ruth in a Yankee uniform by noted sports artist, Arthur K Miller ©. The Art Asylum. C. 1990’s
Bambino One Dollar Bill. This novelty bill is a 1995 issue and features a color Xerox head shot of the Bambino in the center - replacing that of George Washington. 1995
Pure Cane Sugar Packet. Color front pictures a ¾ image of the Bambino posing with a bat, wearing Yankee pin stripes. Reverse reads: ‘Roaring 20’s’ and features a short bio on the Babe. Nifda, distributed by National Institutional Food Dist., Atlanta, Ga. and San Francisco, Ca. C. 1980’s
Match Book Pack. Full match pack featuring a black & white photo image of the Bambino in a Yankees uniform above his printed name. Reverse has career statistics with striker intact. Matches have no ignitable tops (don’t know what these were made for or by whom). C. 1980’s
Ruth’s Home Run Candy Bar Wrapper Xerox. Color copy of the original 5-cent chocolate bar, with an oval photo of Ruth smiling marked: ‘Babe Ruth’s Own Candy’. Original candy was from the ‘George H. Ruth Candy Co. Inc. out of New York and Cleveland. 1990’s
Stamps:
Manama 3-D Flicker Postage Stamp. This large un-cancelled yellow stamp (1 ¾” x 4”) is from Manama, the capital and largest city of Bahrain, and has two separate images with script in both English and Arabic. The left side pictures the 1929 NY Yankee’s famous ‘Murderer’s Row’ in home pin-stripes with ‘Gehrig, Combs, Lazzari, and Babe Ruth’. The batting image on the right morphs from Lou Gehrig to Babe Ruth, including their names, when tilted (similar to Sportsflics baseball cards). Very cool piece from the Middle East. Bahrain, C. 1972
Ajman 15-DH. Postage Stamp. Ajman is one of the seven emirates comprising the small Gulf country of UAR. This un-Cancelled stamp (1 ½” x 2”) with Arabic script is from the ‘Champions of Sport’ series and features a yellow border with a light yellow background and depicts a smiling profile image of Babe with a graphic batter above and to the right. United Arab Emirates, 1969
2 – Granada 30-Cent Postage Stamps. Un-cancelled yellow-bordered stamps (1 ½” x 2”) featuring two small Ruth images in Yankee (home) uniform; the left side is a portrait - the right depicts him swinging a bat. Marked: ‘US Baseball Series 1’.
4 – 20-Cent US Postal Stamps. Un-cancelled stamps depicting the Bambino in his classic ‘Ruthian’ swing, with stadium and fans visible in background. U.S.P.S., 1983
3 – 32-Cent US Postal Stamps. These un-cancelled Ruth stamps are from the ‘Celebrate the Century – 1920’s’ series and depict the Bambino at bat with catcher visible and bunting around Yankee Stadium (World Series game). Peel-off reverse has a bio. U.S.P.S., 1998
5 – Babe Ruth 33-Cent US Postal Stamps. Stamps feature a prominent batting image of Babe (4 are un-cancelled, 1 cancelled). Peel-off reverse has a bio. U.S.P.S., 2000
Shelf 5 (14 Total Items) Ceramic Shelf, all plates and mugs are different.
Limited Edition Ceramic Beer Stein. 6 ½” tall stein featuring four color images of the NY Yankee Hall-of-Fame Right Fielder from an original painting by Christopher Paluso. # 477 of 5,000. DMP Hackett American. 1985
Babe Ruth Beer Stein. Large white stein (7 ½” tall) with a gold-leaf rim, handle and base, along with five color images of the Bambino on one side above his name; from a painting by artist Joseph Catalano. Reverse has a short bio and lists his career stats just like the back of a baseball card. Limited Edition # 344 of 714. Curtis Licensing and Sports Impressions, NY. 1988
Limited Edition ‘The Called Shot’ Tankard. This attractive stein (8 ¾” tall) is the premier issue in the ‘Legends of Baseball Signature Series’ from The Bradford Museum and features a pewter-hinged lid and baseball glove top to go along with a Babe Ruth bat handle containing a facsimile signature. One side has a colorful depiction of Ruth with his famous swing and a facsimile signature on a raised relief baseball. Other side and bottom has raised equipment and a ball field with players, and a bio with career stats. Comes with a Certificate Of Authenticity (edition # 1817), in association with Curtis Management Group, Babe Ruth Baseball League, and the Babe Ruth Family, by the Bradford Museum. 1993
Babe Ruth Beer Stein. Large heavy ceramic mug (6” tall) features a raised image of the Bambino pointing, known as: ‘The Called Shot’. The other side has a color picture of Ruth Swinging a bat (from a well-known photo) and there is also an embossed image of Yankee Stadium. Stein is labeled: ‘Babe Ruth’ and ‘The Great Bambino’ in raised lettering and the base has raised bats and ball motif. Made in Brazil. 1990’s
Babe Ruth Ceramic Coffee Mug. This white mug has a blue interior and features several different color images of the Bambino on both sides marked: “Babe Ruth’ in large letters. Curtis Management and Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1992
Mini ‘The Sultan Of Swat’ Collectors Plate. 22 Karat gold-bordered plate (4 ¼” diameter) from the ‘Sports Superstar Collector Plate Series’. This tiny plate features five different color images of the Bambino along with interior and exterior shots of Yankee Stadium in the background. Signed by artist Joseph Catalano. Curtis Management Group, Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1992
Mini Collectors Plate. Limited edition ceramic plate (# 626I) from ‘The Best of Baseball Plate Collection’ labeled: ‘The Legendary Babe Ruth’. Plate is 6 ½” diameter with a 22 Karat gold leaf border and features six different images of the Yankee great with a facsimile signed baseball in front of Yankee Stadium, and is signed by artist B. Tanenbaum. Babe Ruth Estate, Babe Ruth Baseball and Curtis Management. The Hamilton Collection. 1992
‘Pillars of Baseball’ Mini Collector’s Plate. Gold-rimmed plate (6 ½” diameter) with several color images of the Bambino, along with a facsimile signed baseball in the foreground (Plate # 0925 B). Curtis Management, Babe Ruth Baseball League, Inc, Sports Impressions in association with The Hamilton Collection. 1995
‘Babe Ruth’s Called Shot’ Mini Collectors Plate. Limited edition ceramic plate (# 914A) from ‘The Glory of The Game Plate Collection’ reenacts ‘The Called Shot’. The 23K gold-bordered rim (6 ½” diameter) features three different images of the ‘Bambino’ during the ‘32’ World Series in Wrigley Field with red/white/blue bunting draped over the stands. Sports Impression in association with The Hamilton Collection. 1995
Babe Ruth Collector’s Plate. Gold-rimmed plate (8 ½” diameter) features a ¾ profile image of the Bambino surrounded by three action images, and is signed by the artist Christopher Paluso. Limited Edition # 630 of 10,000. Hackett American Collectors Co. 1984
‘The Sultan Of Swat’ Collectors Plate. This 8 ¼” diameter gold-bordered plate is from the ‘Sports Superstar Collector Plate Series’. Plate features five different color images of Ruth along with interior and exterior shots of Yankee Stadium in the background. Signed by artist Joseph Catalano (# 3,486 and limited to a run of 5,000). Curtis Management Group and Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1992
1927 NY Yankees Collector’s Plate. Gold-bordered plate (8 ½” diameter) labeled the ‘Greatest Team Ever’ features eighteen player images from that memorable team (two of Babe Ruth), inside a red/white/blue border. Plate is signed by artist Robert Tanenbaum. Curtis Management Group and Sports Impressions, made in Korea. 1993
‘The Legendary Babe Ruth’ Collector’s Plate. This 8” diameter plate has a 24 Karat gold-border and features four different color images of the great Bambino from his early pitching days in Boston - to his retirement signing autographs for children in a suit. Plate has a small 1” diameter gold baseball affixed to the front, with embossed seams and Ruth’s facsimile signature and is labeled: ‘The Sultan Of Swat’. Plate # HC 524 by Jim Auckland. Curtis Management and The Franklyn Mint. 1995
‘The Called Shot’ Collector’s Plate. 22-Karat gold-rimmed plate (8” diameter) with three images of Ruth during the ‘32’ World Series at Wrigley Field, Chicago, where the Bambino hit his famous home run. There is also a beautiful period image of the fans in bleachers with red/white/blue bunting along the brick wall and his facsimile signature. Plate is first in the ‘Legendary Home Runs’ series by Jason Walker and # 4253 A in the limited edition series. The Bradford Exchange. 1996
Shelf 6 (15 Total Items)
Bronze Babe Ruth Figural Desk Clock. This wonderful electric time piece is 10 ½” x 13” and features a large bust of the great ‘Bambino’ in the center, with ‘Babe Ruth’ engraved on his chest. Flanked on either side are regulation size baseballs bearing inscriptions of his most impressive stats, single season and lifetime home run records, all of which sits on an gorgeous art deco-style, bakelite base. Produced by Abbotwares Co. C. 1948
Redtop Beer Hall Of Fame Wall Plaque Advertisement. Fittingly Babe Ruth was honored as the first athlete to be represented in Redtop’s Hall Of Fame Sports Series. This heavy-duty cardboard plaque is 10 ½” x 14 ½” and features an 8” tall cast metal figure with a gold wash, of Ruth batting. It is affixed to the right front against a black background with two screws, and reads: ‘Hall Of Fame Babe Ruth 1894 – 1948’ (interestingly, they got his birth date wrong by 1 year (1895). The left front has a raised ad for the beer company with their logo marked: ‘Proved Premium Quality’ and ‘Crisp Clean Taste’. Reverse has a gold sticker with a bio of George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth. Redtop Brewing Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. Copyright 1957
‘Baltimore’s Babe’ Limited Edition Statue. An impressive 12” tall bronzed ceramic figural that depicts a young Babe Ruth in his 1914 International league Baltimore Orioles uniform (his first pro team), with the League’s 1914 emblem on the left sleeve. The statue was offered (in a limited edition of 2,000) to mark the nine-foot, 800 pound bronze statue that actually stands proudly at the entrance of Baltimore’s Camden Yards. Sculpted by Susan Luery. CE&S Art Forms, Inc, Belcamp, Md. 1993
Brass ‘The Called Shot’ Statue. Gorgeous 9 ½” tall rendition of the Bambino’s famous ‘Called Shot’ during the 1932 World Series in Wrigley Field (off Cub’s pitcher, Charlie Root). Statue is mounted on a 6” diameter green marble base. A gold plaque on front reads: ‘Called Shot by Dawn’. Statue weighs about ten pounds. 1990’s
Bronzed Ruth Commemorative Hartland Statue. Limited edition figurine of the Bambino in his Yankee Pin Stripes made of hard plastic (same as the one on shelf # 4) – except this one has taken a bronze bath plunge. This beauty stands 7 ¾” tall and is mounted on a 6” x 6” stained, hard wood base. Late 1980’s
Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig Statue. Limited edition double-wide resin statue (# 215 of 1,927) by artist, Palmer Murphy, features an incredible likeness of these two legendary NY Yankees standing side-by-side during the 1929 season (sculpted from the well known publicity photograph of the two Yankee sluggers). It has facsimile autographs on a plaque front and career statistics on the rear. 5 ½” wide x 9” tall. 1995
4 – Babe Ruth Statues. These beautiful posed and detailed cold-cast resin statues right down to the folds in his uniform are all mounted on various-shaped bases with ‘Babe Ruth’s’ facsimile signature engraved on the front plaque. These statues were sculpted by Palmer Murphy for the 100-year anniversary of Babe Ruth’s birth. 1994
A. Called Shot from 1932 World Series: 7” tall
B. Ruth Swinging: 6” tall
C. 2 – Young Ruth Pitching for Red Sox: 6” tall, (two different finishes)
Limited Edition Babe Ruth Bust Statue. This gorgeous piece of work is a 10 ¾” tall limited edition statue (# 353 of 2000) very heavy, and sculpted with an incredible likeness of the Yankee great. Statue features a bust of Ruth with an ‘NY’ cap mounted on a large baseball with raised seams, a facsimile signature on the front, and is finished with a black (5” x 5 ½”) base. Sticker on Bottom marked: ‘Art Deluxe, New York’. Reverse engraved ‘Rudolf Rubino Creations’. 1991
Ruth Bust Statue. This 6” tall design features a smaller bust similar to the above, sculpted with an incredible likeness of Ruth and is affixed to a partial baseball with engraved seams and a facsimile signature, both mounted on a Roman column. Reverse engraved ‘Rudolf Rubino Creations’. C. 1990’s
Brass Babe Ruth Wall Plaque. Large circular medallion (5” diameter) features an embossed full figure batting image of the Yankee Hall-of-Fame Right Fielder, surrounded by a decorative outer rim. Reverse has two wall mounting holes. C. 1930’s
Brass Babe Ruth Bust Plaque. Beautiful oval wall medallion (3 ½” x 4 ¼”) depicting an embossed image of the Babe (from the shoulders up) showing an incredible likeness of the legendary American Hero. Reverse has a molded hang bracket with a metal loop. No idea when it was made.
‘The Sultan of Swat’ Collector’s Plate. This heavy 8” diameter embossed plate is the first issue from the ‘Immortals of the Diamond’ Series. The limited edition plate (# A8145) has a brass-look finish and depicts raised images of Ruth pitching, batting along with a bust in front of Yankee Stadium (appropriately enough called the House That Ruth Built). From The Bradford exchange, in association with Curtis Management, the Family of Babe Ruth and Babe Ruth Baseball League, Inc. 1994
Top of Show Case # 6 (8 Total)
Babe Ruth Plaster Caricature Statue. This caricature depicts the man who captured the hearts and imagination of the American public on the baseball field through the ‘Roaring 20’s’ – and into the depths of the ‘Great Depression’. The full length figure features an over-sized head (compared to the rest of his body), reminiscent of the celebrity caricatures made over the past thirty years. The statue stands 18” tall and weighs about 12 pounds (can’t read inscription). C. Late 1980’s
Babe Ruth Effenbee ‘The Called Shot’ Doll. Hand-painted vinyl doll (15 ½” tall) fully-jointed with molded hair dressed in Ruth’s most memorable uniform, Yankee pin stripes. This sports doll features the Bambino from his greatest moment, pointing toward center field before hitting a home run on the next pitch in the ‘32’ World Series. Doll comes with a wood bat and Babe’s facsimile signature. 1985.
2 – Ashton-Drake ‘The 60th Home Run’ Dolls. This beautiful sculpture of Ruth is 14” tall and depicts the Bambino in a cloth Yankee pin stripe uniform celebrating his record breaking, 60th home run on Sept. 30th, 1927 and is the first issue in the ‘Legends of Baseball’ collection from the noted toy company, designed by Romanian artist, Titus Tomescu. It is hand-painted and mounted on a 6” x 12” stone base with a gold plaque and a facsimile signature of the Bambino. Both dolls come with a box and Certificate of Authenticity, one is #16288 (the other paper work is in storage at the moment). The Ashton-Drake Galleries. 1994
2 – Babe Ruth Cooperstown Collection Hall Of Fame Dolls. Pose-able limited edition plastic dolls (12” tall) with exceptional detail given to authentic cloth style uniforms. One doll features Ruth in Yankee pin stripes batting (wood bat); while the other has him wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform from his early years pitching. Hasbro. 1996
Salvino 500 Home Run Club Statue. This beautiful 9” tall limited edition ceramic statue depicts the Bambino in a grey road uniform admiring one of his momentous shots. The figure comes with a wood Louisville Slugger bat with Babe’s facsimile signature on the barrel and rests on a home plate-shaped gold plaque noting Babe’s 714 life-time home runs. Base front has another gold plaque with Babe’s facsimile signature. Another gold plaque on bottom is marked: ‘Babe Ruth # 1893 of 2500. Salvino, Inc., Corona, Ca. 1996
‘Jacob Rupert’s Beer’ Advertising Light Box. It was Rupert, the Yankee owner and beer magnate who ‘Stole’ Babe Ruth away from the Red Sox in 1920 for a paltry 125,000, creating the nightmare catch phrase know as the ‘Curse of the Bambino’ that was to haunt Boston the rest of the 20th century. This fancy 10” x 13” display box features a blue reverse painted glass front with stenciled lettering and an orange interior light, and was meant to be displayed in bars. 1920’s – 30’s
Ruth Alcove:
Babe Ruth Cigar Store Baseball Player. Folk art carvings of this type used to stand in front of cigar stores at the turn of the century. This hand-carved statue stands four feet tall, cut from a single block of beautifully-grained wood and is hand-painted exhibiting an incredible likeness of the legendary Bambino in all his glory wearing Yankee pin stripes. Superb coloring and detail, the artist’s talent is obvious from the first glance. The bat is separate and slides easily into the hands. Figure is supported by a 13” x 13” x 2 ½” thick base (no artist or date).
Babe Ruth Oil Painting. This 22” x 28” oil on canvas painting features a prominent image of the aging Yankee posing in front of the dugout in his home pin stripe uniform, wearing a glove, with a teammate visible in the background. Signed by artist, Thomas (date unknown).
Babe Ruth Ave. Street Sign. Yellow metal sign (4 ½” wide x 23” long) with blue lettering reads: ‘Babe Ruth Ave.’ (date unknown).
Legends Of Baseball Birthday Calendar. Long narrow calendar (4 ½” x 18 ½”) containing pictures of twelve famous players, each represented by one of their baseball cards. Babe Ruth is featured in the month of February (the month he was born) with his 1935 Goudy card. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1992.
Babe Ruth Depression Era Carnival Figurine. This 14” tall caricature figure is made of light-weight composite material and probably given out as an arcade prize during the depression to stimulate sales. The painted statue depicts Ruth leaning against a bat at his side, wearing a baseball glove, and is dressed in a gray uniform marked: ‘Babe Ruth’ across the chest in green. Babe’s feet are oversized like those of a clown. C. 1930’s
‘Great Moments In Sport Babe Ruth’ Model Kit. Unpainted plastic kit in the original box with some of the pieces still attached to the plastic ‘Tree’. The figure depicts Ruth belting his 60th home run, with a catcher, umpire, dugout, and fans in background. Complete with instructions (9” x 12 ½”). Aurora Plastics Corp. 1965.
Ruth Jigsaw Puzzle. Large 20” x 20” interlocking puzzle featuring 500 pieces depicting a collage of Babe Ruth memorabilia. From the Babe Ruth Estate, Curtis Licensing and Hallmark Cards, Inc. 1987.
Babe Ruth Shatter-Proof Mirror. This mirror features a Ruth portrait alongside an action shot with number 3, above an authenticated facsimile autograph (authentication on back). 16” x 20”, framed. Sessy Products and CMG Worldwide Inc., 1996.
Ruth Seagram Whiskey Mirror. Collage of various Babe Ruth pictures in both Yankee and Red Sox uniforms overlaid on a mirror. 17” x 20 ½”, framed. Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. and CMG. 1990.
2 – Babe Ruth Baseball Bat Racks: This pair of wood baseball bats are 32” long and feature two different burned images of the Bambino on the barrel along with a display shelf for collector Plates.
Bat Shelf # 1: Each of the four limited edition porcelain plates listed below are gold-rimmed, 8” in diameter, from the ‘Babe Ruth Centennial Series’ by Phil Heffernan, and feature different images (1 color, 1 black & white) commemorating a particular Ruth highlight, both inside baseball seams that run along the inside rim. From the Bradford Exchange.
1. ‘The 60th Homer’. First in the series (limited edition # 13371A
2. ‘Babe’s Pitching Debut’. Second in the Series. # 1035A. 1995.
3. ‘The Final Home Run’. Third in the Series. # 542A. 1995.
4. ‘Barnstorming Days’. Fourth in the Series. # 1268A. 1995.
Bat Shelf # 2:
1. ‘The Sultan Of Swat’ by Joseph Catalano. This 10 ½” diameter gold-rimmed
plate features a collage of images (# 436 of 714). Sports Impressions, 1988
2. ‘Babe Ruth’ by Brian Johnson. This 10 ½” diameter gold-rimmed plate
features a collage of images with Yankee Stadium in the background (# 152
of 10,000). Sports Impressions, 1988
3. Babe Ruth Plaque. This 9 ½” diameter wall mounted plaster casting features
a gold finished embossed image of Ruth swinging a bat marked: ‘Hero Of
American Youth, George Herman (Babe) Ruth’. 1934
Miscellaneous Babe Ruth:
(Foyer) Penny Muto-Scope with Marquee and Babe Ruth Reel. To understand the impact of the Muto-scope on society and sports fans in particular, one must consider that, in the early third of the 20th century there were only ten cities in which Major League baseball was played. Aside from his rare ‘Barnstorming’ appearances, attendance at games played in those ten cities was the only chance to see the legend that was Babe Ruth. The most common medium for fans around the country to see Ruth in action was through the ‘Magic’ of the Muto-scope at the cost of one penny. In fact, that magic was created by a technology no more sophisticated then a giant flip book on a rotating wheel that, when set in motion, appeared to present a moving picture of the subject.
This vintage cast-iron arcade machine (C. 1900’s – 1910’s) features the original brass hardware and coin slot and is wired to power the light that brings the flashing images to life. This coin-operated machine is mounted on an ornate pedestal stand finished in black with gold trim. Total height is 60” tall x 8” wide, complete with lock & key. Manufactured by International Mutoscope Reel Co., New York City.
The black & white reel itself highlights the legendary ‘Bambino’ hitting a home run and circling the bases during a game in which the fans are pictured in the bleachers wearing period clothes. It also depicts the famous feud between Ruth & Gehrig during the late ‘20’s, where Lou Gehrig, the on deck batter (# 4), refuses to congratulate the Bambino after the home run. The marquee features a modern day black & white publicity photo of a younger Ruth posing in a studio shortly after joining Yankees (1920), with a facsimile signature.
(Foyer) (Coin-Operated) 1-Cent Exhibit Card Vending Machine with two Babe Ruth Exhibit Cards on Pedestal Stand. A staple in most penny arcades was the exhibit machine which enticed youngsters with post card sized photographs of their favorite baseball stars. This early, double-slotted grey metal coin-operated dispenser issued baseball, western and starlet cards. The machine itself has embossed ‘Exhibit Supply Co. Cards and patent number 4-21-25’ on the front, with instructions marked: ‘Put Penny In Slot – Push Slide All The Way In, Then Pull Out Slot And Receive Card’ and ‘Samuel Klein, Amusement Games and Vending Machines’. Displayed behind the front glass are two large black & white ‘Exhibit’ photo cards of the Hall-of-Fame Right Fielder; one with Ruth fielding from the early ‘20’s with a not to familiar facsimile signature marked: ‘Geo H ‘Babe Ruth’ Outfielder, New York, AM. L. The other card is studio image of the Bambino batting with a facsimile signature. Machine is 7” wide x 7” deep x 10” tall, stand is 32”, overall height 42”. Complete with lock & key. Exhibit Supply Co., Chicago, Ill. C. 1920’s – 30’s.
(Foyer) Babe Ruth Poster. This poster is from an old negative (C. 1920’s) featuring a well-known black & white photo depicting the Bambino admiring a home run following a ‘Ruthian’ swing. 18” x 24”, framed. C. 1990
(Foyer) Babe Ruth ‘Louisville Slugger’ Hat Rack. This is genuine 30” long Little League bat that is expertly sliced in half right down the middle and contains all the markings: a ‘Louisville Slugger’ label, ‘Flame Tempered’, and a facsimile signature on barrel that reads: ‘Batting Champion, George ‘Babe’ Ruth’. The rack itself features five wood hanging pegs and easily mounts on a wall with two screws. C. 1960’s – 70’s
(Foyer) Babe Ruth Composite Statue. Cool 26” tall statue portraying the Yankee great in all his glory leaning on a bat, dressed in a weathered Yankee pin stripe uniform with an ‘NY’ logo on the cap (# 3 on back), and mounted atop a 6” x 10”green base. C. 1980’s – 90’s
Babe Ruth Burlap Bag. This large advertising bag for Pinto Beans (Net WT. 100 LBS) pictures a prominent full figure batting image of the Bambino set in front of an over-sized baseball labeled: ‘Bambino Pinto Beans’, ‘Bambino Bean, Inc. Mingo, Kansas.’ 21” x 36”, framed. C. 1940’s – 60’s
‘Babe’s Diner’ Neon Diner’s Clock. Black ‘50’s style electric clock labeled: ‘Babe’s Diner’ features two silhouette images of Ruth batting that light up with a blue/green tint. 14” diameter face, with pull chain. C. 1990’s
Babe Ruth Remarkable Moments Audio Sound-bite Display. Hear the Bambino himself recount his most famous home run, the ‘Called Shot’. This limited edition display (# 644/5000) features a sepia-toned photo (8” x 10”) enclosed behind plastic picturing the Bambino in a Yankee uniform hitting a home run in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series (against Chicago Cub pitcher, Charlie Root at Wrigley Field). Reverse highlights the Bambino’s career along with that memorable day in baseball history. The audio chip is hidden inside a charcoal grey stone base (Ruth facsimile signature etched on front base) describing what soon became known as the legendary ‘Called Shot’ (2 spare batteries in RM manila package/Ruth cabinet). By Remarkable Moments, Talking Frames Corp., and other licensees. 1994
(Cabinet # 1, Shelf # 3) Babe Ruth Sterling Silver Baseball Thermometer. This unique item from the ‘Roaring 20’s’ (one year before the 1929 stock marked crash) is a 1 ¾” diameter silver ball with raised seams and features a glass window with a red temperature dial in the center, against a silver background. Ball has ‘Babe Ruth 1928’ etched on the side (1 ¾” diameter). 1928
Cabinet Below:
Advertising / Paper / Books / Misc:
Ceramic Cookie Jar. Large hand painted storage jar finished in the likeness of the ‘Bambino’ holding a bat on his shoulder in Yankee pin stripes with NY on the cap (# 3 on jersey back). Designed and Distributed by Clay Art, San Francisco, Ca. Manufactured in China. 11” wide x 12” tall with Original box. 1997
100th Commemorative Anniversary Pillow. Colorful 13” x 13” stuffed cotton/poly pillow (51%/49%) - looks just like a tapestry with a needle-point image featuring a classic ‘Ruthian’ swing. Above the image is a large white pennant marked: ‘Babe Ruth’, background shows fans in the bleachers; reverse is solid black. Also, ‘100th Anniversary 1895 – 1995’ is sewn in black on lower right. By Dakotah, U.S.A. 1995
Limited Edition Babe Ruth Anniversary Tee Shirt. Unused grey cotton/poly shirt (Fruit Of The Loom, size XL) is the companion piece to the limited edition anniversary bat on shelf # 1. Shirt has an image of the Babe at the top with name, nick name, bio, famous quote, and a facsimile signature across the chest. Also marked # 1 of 250 and ‘Bat Shirts Div. of Where It All Began Bat Co. Cooperstown, N.Y.’ 1995
2 – Sealed Starting Lineup (SLU) ‘Baseball Greats’. Each package features a plastic figurine of Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig (approx. 5” tall) and billed as ‘realistic sculptings of the Major League Stars’. There are two different versions; one features Ruth in grey (road uniform) while Gehrig is wearing white (home uniform), the other vice versa. Factory sealed package (10” x 13”) has cardboard backing with statues behind clear plastic and comes with a Starting Lineup baseball card for each player. Reverse pictures other statue pairs in this particular set. Officially licensed product MLB & MLBPA. By Kenner, a division of Tonka Corp., Cincinnati, Ohio, made in China. 1989
2 – NY Yankee Plastic Collector Drinking Cups. White cups (dishwasher safe) licensed by MLB; the first one is # 1 of 4 from the Yankees retired number series featuring #’s 3, 4 & 5 (Ruth, Gehrig, Berra), with a brief bio underneath. The other is a ‘Coca-Cola’ and ‘Volume Services’ advertising cup that features pictures of the Yankee American League MVP award winners above their name and the respective year(s) they won the award (Ruth won in 1923). Packer Plastics, Lawrence, KS. 1990’s
6 – Tin Babe Ruth Advertising Signs. Nice color signs featuring different embossed images of the Bambino advertising a particular product, mostly during the ‘Roaring 20’s’. These are licensed with Curtis Management. Desperate Enterprises, Wadsworth, Ohio.
A. Pinch Hit Tobacco: 11” x 14”, 1991
B. Red Rock Cola: 11 ½” x 16”, 1991
C. Old Gold Cigarettes: 12 ¼” x 16 ¼”, 1991
D. Home Run Candy Bar: 11 ¾” x 16 ¼”, 1991
E. All America Athletic Underwear: 12” x 16”, 1993
F. Babe Comes Home Movie Poster: 10” x 16”, 1993
Publications/Paper:
50th Anniversary of Yankee Stadium LP. Narrated by Mel Allen, play-by-play announcer forever known as the ‘Legendary voice of the New York Yankees’ (1940’s – 60’s). This 33 1/3 double-sided vinyl record features over 30 minutes on each side of the most memorable events in ‘The House That Ruth Built’. Fleetwood Marketing Group Inc., New York. 1973
5 – Books: Hard Covers:
A. They Played The Game (DJ) by Harry Grayson. A.S. Barnes and Company.
Second printing, 1944
B. Babe Ruth (DJ) by Martin Weldon. Thomas Y. Crowell Company. 1948
C. Babe Ruth (No DJ) by Tom Meany. Grosset & Dunlap, Inc., NY. 1951
D. The Babe Ruth Story (DJ) by Babe Ruth as told to Bob Considine.
American Book – Stratford Press, 1948 – 11th Printing, 1966
E. Babe – The Legend Comes To Life (DJ) by Robert Creamer. Simon and
Schuster, New York. 1974
5 – Soft Covers:
A. Babe Ruth Home Run Hero by Keith Brandt. Troll Associates, 1986
B. The Babe Ruth Story by Babe Ruth as told to Bob Considine. A Signet
Book, 1992
C. Babe The Legend Comes To Life by Robert Creamer. Fireside, 1992
D. Babe Ruth His Life And Legend by Kal Wagenheim. Henry Holt and
Company, 1992
E. Babe Ruth’s Incredible Records and the 44 Players Who broke Them by
John Mercurio. S.P.I. Books, 1993
Babe Ruth – Jackie Robinson. Black & white illustrated comic-style book. Pendulum Press, Inc., 1979
Babe Ruth – Baseball Legends Comic Book. Revolutionary Comics, March 1992
The 1988 Baseball Engagement Calendar (Ruth on cover and inside). Appointment book, photos, trivia, Macmillan Publishing Co., 1988
Baseball Engagement Book, The Called Shot 60 Years later by Michael Gershman. Still sealed spiral bound calendar, appointment planner, trivia book baseball almanac, Houghton Mifflin, Boston. 1992
Beckett Baseball Card Monthly. Cover, inside back cover and article ‘The Babe Turns 100.’ February, 1995
Spitball The Literary Magazine (Ruth on cover and inside). Spitball Magazine Inc., 1996
The Vintage & Classic Baseball Collector Magazine. Great magazine for articles and photos on vintage memorabilia and baseball stars. This issue has an article on Babe Ruth games. Issue # 6, May/June, 1996.
Beckett Vintage Sports Magazine. Young Babe Ruth is featured on the cover in a Boston Red Sox uniform. Inside is an article about Ruth and the Drapard-Maynard Equipment Company regarding the white baseball glove (Ruth Cabinet, Shelf # 1). May, 1997
Sports Collectors Digest Magazine. This issue features a Ruth drawing on the cover with an article on collecting Ruth ‘Quaker Oats’ cereal premium memorabilia. Dec. 26, 1997
Sports Reading Series Babe Ruth. Double-sided cardboard piece (8 ½” x 14”) is titled ‘The One and Only Babe Ruth’ from the ‘Big League Reading Kit’ and recounts the Called Shot. One side features a color photo from that game; reverse features a black & white photo. Bowmar/Noble Publishers, Inc. 1979
11 – Babe Ruth Black &White Wire Photos. Variety of photos (new photos from old negatives) taken during the Bambino’s career; some from games, others are publicity shots. 1980’s – 90’s
Daily News Babe Ruth Photo. This black & white photo was taken from C. 1924 and reproduced by the Daily News. 2004
Babe Ruth Collectors Edition Wheaties Box. Large size flattened box (cereal gone) celebrating ’60 Years of Sports Heritage’ of the cereal company. Box front features famous black & white photo of classic ‘Ruthian’ swing. Side panel has black & white shot of Ruth/Gehrig. Reverse features more Ruth photos, career highlights, bio and stats. Babe Ruth Estate and Curtis Management in conjunction with General Mills, Inc., 1992
9 – ‘Ruthian Shots’ Card Sets. Five card set featuring old black & white photos of the Bambino. Megacards Inc. 1993
The Official Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Collection. Sealed package containing many Ruth cards and a disk; kit also contains a Sweepstakes (Grand Prize being a Babe Ruth autographed baseball). Cooperstown Collection & Megacards, Inc., Fairfield, IA. 1995
2 – Rolls of Babe Ruth Exhibit Cards Wall Paper Border. These are pre-pasted, washable black & white rolls; one is (8” x 15’ long) and features four different pictures (Exhibit size baseball cards) side-by-side consecutively and run the entire length. Two of the four photos are copies of actual exhibit cards from the 20’s, the other two are well-known wire photos (three have facsimile signatures, the fourth has ‘Babe Ruth’ written under the pictures. The second roll (5 ½” x 15’ long) is actually a ‘Hall of Fame series (number 3) and features six players (all exhibit card images), all have facsimile signatures under their picture. They too run consecutively the entire length: Ruth, Honus Wagner, Johnny Mize, Bob Feller, Enos Slaughter and Phil Rizzuto. Hanging instructions and 5 other sample borders included. A.J. Exhibit ® Corp., Hudson Falls, NY. 1996
New York Yankees Official Year Book. Ruth cover and article inside (100th Anniversary), 1995
Busch Beer Advertising Poster/Schedule. Large color poster (14” x 23”) with a full-figure, bigger-then-life drawing of the Bambino in the foreground (wearing pin stripes), bat in hand as he watches one of his monster home runs. An over-sized Yankee Stadium with bleachers packed with fans and r/w/b bunting hanging from the stands (World Series) in the background. Bottom section has the full ‘87’ Cleveland Indians month by month schedule. Curtis Licensing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., St. Louis, MO. 1987
‘Heros of Sports’ Comic Booklet. Cover features drawings of Babe Ruth, Joe Louis and Jack Dempsey on this odd-sized booklet (3 ½” x 11”). Inside features short black & white segments on many athletes; several on Ruth. Blue Dolphin Enterprises, Inc., and Caplin-Iger Co., Ltd. 1984
4 – Donruss Baseball Learning Series Posters. Each color poster (thin cardboard stock, 9 ½” x 27”) depicts drawings of memorable events during different periods in American history intertwining them with important baseball events. One pictures Babe Ruth with two captions; one from 1920 reads: ‘New York Yankees buy George Herman Ruth from Boston’ and 1927 ‘Babe Ruth hits 60 home runs in 154 games. Another makes reference to Hank Aaron breaking Babe’s home run record. Donruss Co. C. 1980’s
2 – 75th Yankee Stadium Anniversary Souvenir Cards. Color front features a caricature drawing of the Bambino. Reverse explains Ruth’s link to Yankee Stadium. 1998
2 – Copies of Babe Ruth’s Last Will and Testament. Done purely for nostalgia purposes: this 10 page computer printout contains two copies of Babe’s 5 page Will (10 total pages). Court TV Wills of Famous People. Printed out in 1998
2 – Sotheby’s Barry Halper Auction Limited Edition Card Packs. 14 card collectors set (1 open, 1 sealed) features a pair Ruth cards (# 1 & 2). Barry Halper Enterprises ™. 1999
Advertising Desk Ink Blotter. Color picture in one corner featuring the Babe slugging a home run during the ‘32’ World Series on this 4” x 9” blotter (stained) ad for Great Lakes Mfg. & Foundry Co., Detroit, Michigan. Brown & Bigelow, St. Paul, Minn. C. 1940’s
Miscellaneous Cards:
6 – Fro-Joy Ice Cream Cards. In 1928 (August 6th-11th) Fro-Joy Ice Cream issued a six-card black & white set, with each of the six cards featuring Babe Ruth. The backs of these cards invited youngsters to submit (by mail) a complete set in exchange for a large (8-5/8 x 12 inches) premium card. These cards were purchased in the mid ‘80’s’ and are probably reprints from that series.
3 – Ruth Sporting Goods Advertising Cards. Each standard size baseball card features a different black & white image of the Bambino from previously issued baseball cards or wire photos. Reverse lists store info and address. C. 1980’s – 90’s
2 – Misc Ruth Cards.
A. Repro Rookie Card. This card features young Ruth pitching for the
Boston Red Sox. C. 1990
B. Vendor’s Calling Card. Even memorabilia dealers are using images of
the Bambino to advertise themselves. C. 1990