October Legends Closing November 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
In the 1930s Babe Ruth was near the end of his illustrious career, but still was the most magical name for product endorsements. One of the more popular ad campaigns was conducted by Quaker Oats who snared the Sultan of Sponsors to endorse a wide variety of giveaway premiums. Quaker also promoted recent World Series winning pitcher Dizzy Dean, too. The lure of the Quaker advertising campaign was the offer of prizes which could only be obtained through the redemption of box tops of Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereal. This is a fabulous original large (15 x 20 inches) cardboard, point-of-sale display used to promote the offering featuring. First thing young boys would notice is the very large Ruth image, imploring kids: “Hey Kids! Join my baseball club - And win one of these swell PRIZES! Just mail your name and address with one Quaker Puffed Wheat or Rice Box Top to Babe Ruth’s Baseball Club P.O. BOX 1083- CHICAGO.” The ad tempted kids with the promise of balls, scorers, caps, manuals and emblems. In fact, the top indicates, “FREE! More Than 1,000 PRIZES Every Week” plus the date of the promotion “May 1st to July 15th, 1934.” Many collectors feel these signs are among the best values of all Babe Ruth and 1930s baseball advertising displays. These signs occasionally surface, but most are safely tucked away in exclusive collections. They are very rarely found without condition problems of some type, and this example is no exception. While the middle is relatively clean, there is significant edge wear including water damage, chipping and rounding of the corners. There are also a few minor creases, and one larger half-moon crease along the right edge. However, all the inside images, including Ruth’s face, are bold, bright and mostly unaffected. This is the perfect Ruth display piece, a scarce example of one of his most popular promotional activities.