October Legends Closing November 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
Through his on field exploits and steerage of super agent Christy Walsh, Babe Ruth's immense popularity gave him the opportunity to promote a vast array of products throughout his lifetime. Ruth promoted everything from underwear to cereal products, and everything in between. This impressive 37 x 47 inch advertising display features Babe Ruth endorsing Raleigh cigarettes. It was well known the Babe was a heavy smoker, so why not get paid for promoting a product dear to your heart? A large black-and-white portrait of Ruth holding a Raleigh cigarette appears in the upper right corner of this colorful yellow and red cardboard store display as he proclaims, “Now! Medical Science Offers Proof Positive!” The advertisement also prominently depicts a full-color package of Raleigh cigarettes, next to the claim “No other leading cigarette is safer to smoke! – No other gives you less nicotine, less throat irritants.” Less throat irritants? Ironically, Ruth died of lung cancer just a few years after this tremendous advertisement was produced. The display is in overall Very Good condition, with light water damage stains and some foxing, with several scratches and other abrasions. The upper right of this sturdy cardboard item experiences light cracking and some loss of the original yellow color. However, none of these faults significantly detract from its very impressive display. This mammoth display piece is professionally matted and framed to a dimension of 43.5 x 53.5 inches, and is housed behind UV protective Plexiglas. It originates from the incomparable Barry Halper collection and was one of the largest and most dramatic pieces sold at his famous sale. Outrageously visible Babe Ruth display piece.