In the world of baseball memorabilia, some items hold a special place due to their historical significance and the stories they tell. One such artifact is a recently discovered photograph of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, signed by the legendary duo and authenticated as an original Type 1 print. This extraordinary piece was captured by acclaimed photographer Arthur Hull, known for his work with The New York Times and The Associated Press. It serves as a poignant reminder of the golden age of baseball, featuring two of the game’s most iconic figures in a relaxed moment at the Yankees’ spring training camp between 1927 and 1931.
The photograph not only showcases the camaraderie and joy between Ruth and Gehrig but also exemplifies Hull’s dedication to his craft and his subjects. Keith Breitweiser, an acquisitions specialist at Lelands, the auction house handling the sale, highlights the exceptional quality of the autographs and the photograph itself, stating that “These are the two most iconic players who ever played the game on the most iconic team. The autographs are some of the nicest you’ll find.”
The journey of this photograph to the auction block is a tale of historical preservation and serendipity. Following Hull’s death in 1969, his collection, including this signed photograph, was acquired by Karl Allison and a friend from Hull’s widow. This acquisition, made for a nominal sum, included a treasure trove of negatives and photographs spanning Hull’s illustrious five-decade career. Among these treasures was the signed photograph of Ruth and Gehrig, which Allison chose to safeguard by storing it away from light and creating a duplicate for display purposes.
This photograph’s significance goes beyond its visual appeal; it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of sports history. Signed photographs of Ruth and Gehrig, especially those authenticated as Type 1 originals and in excellent condition, are exceedingly scarce and highly sought after by collectors. Therefore, the upcoming auction of this photograph, commencing on February 25, is expected to generate significant interest from both collectors and baseball enthusiasts. It presents a unique chance to acquire a tangible artifact from the storied past of baseball.
The forthcoming auction not only puts the spotlight on the enduring allure of Ruth and Gehrig but also underscores the importance of meticulous preservation and the role of photography in capturing and commemorating the sport’s legends. As this photograph looks for a new home, it continues to celebrate the remarkable legacy of two of baseball’s most revered figures, immortalized through Arthur Hull’s lens and preserved over the decades as a testament to their monumental impact on the game and American culture as a whole.
