We’re proud to feature a beautiful 1916 Famous & Barr Babe Ruth in our upcoming Summer auction.
The Summer, 2008 edition of Old Cardboard contains what we believe to be the definitive word on the various M101-4 and M101-5 issues, in an article entitled “Making Sense of M101-5 and M101-4.” Written by hobby scholars Tim Newcomb and Todd Schultz, the article makes sense of the various card issues produced in 1916 by Felix Mendelsohn, including the Famous & Barr issue. The article discusses Meldelsohn’s visionary use of black and white action photography on baseball cards, a practice seldon seen in 1916 but which remains in practice today. As collectors dig further into the complexities of the M101-4 and M101-5 issues, the beauty (and difficulty) of the various sets is helping to increase their popularity.
Of course a larger contributor to the issue’s growing popularity is the presence of what is often considered Babe Ruth’s rookie card. The card is one of the hottest in the hobby at this time, with record breaking prices realized virtually every time an example becomes available. Examples of the card are known with a variety of advertising backs, and most are considered rare. The significance of this card cannot be overstated; it is one of the most important cards in the hobby, its rarity increased by the difficult Famous & Barr advertising back. In fact, just six graded examples of this card are known to exist (one of which does not appear on any population reports, but according to another auction house, does exist).
The card, which depicts Ruth as a young Red Sox pitcher, is graded POOR 10 by SGC though the aesthetic appeal of the card is far greater. The primary flaws lie in two tiny, barely perceptible pinholes at the top and bottom of the card. In addition, the card is marred by a thin crease that traverses the center of the card, as well as mild soiling and what appears to be glue residue on the reverse. That glue residue, however, is likely what maintained the card is such presentable condition, as mounting cards in vintage scrapbooks was a practice that helped preserve their appearance for many years. Such is the case with this card, which boasts a sharp, clean image and centering far superior to most examples of this card.
Few cards in the hobby are true “blue chip” cards. A 1916 Famous & Barr Ruth rookie card, however, certainly qualifies, as few cards in the hobby are more desirable. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the card’s production, we are pleased to offer this amazingly rare specimen, a centerpiece of even the most World Class collection.