In the world of baseball memorabilia, there are certain items that hold a special place due to their historical significance and the stories they tell. One such artifact, a recently discovered photograph of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, signed by the iconic duo, is now up for auction. Captured by celebrated photographer Arthur Hull, whose works graced the pages of The New York Times and The Associated Press, this meticulously preserved photograph is a testament to the golden era of baseball, featuring two of its greatest figures during a leisurely moment at the Yankees’ spring training camp between 1927 and 1931.
What sets this photograph apart from others of its kind is not only the camaraderie and joy it showcases between Ruth and Gehrig, but also the level of care with which the pair autographed it. Reflecting Hull’s dedication to his craft and his subjects, the autographs are of exceptional quality, making this piece a highly sought-after item. Keith Breitweiser, an acquisitions specialist at Lelands, the auction house handling the sale, describes the autographs as some of the “nicest you’ll find.”
The journey of this photograph to the auction block is an intriguing tale of historical preservation and serendipity. After Hull passed away in 1969, Karl Allison and a friend acquired his collection, including this signed photograph, from Hull’s widow for a nominal fee. The collection included a multitude of negatives and photographs spanning Hull’s illustrious career of five decades. Among them was the signed photograph of Ruth and Gehrig, which Allison decided to keep, ensuring its safety by storing it away from light and creating a duplicate for display purposes.
Not only does this photograph possess visual appeal, it also offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of sports history. Signed photographs of Ruth and Gehrig, particularly those authenticated as Type 1 originals and in excellent condition, are exceedingly scarce and highly prized by collectors. Consequently, the upcoming auction commencing on February 25 is expected to generate considerable interest from collectors and enthusiasts, presenting a unique chance to acquire a tangible relic from baseball’s storied past.
The impending auction not only highlights the enduring allure of Ruth and Gehrig, but also underscores the significance of meticulous preservation and the role of photography in capturing and commemorating the legends of the sport. As this signed photograph prepares to find a new home, it continues to celebrate the lasting legacy of these revered baseball figures, immortalized by Arthur Hull’s lens and preserved throughout the decades as a testament to their monumental impact on the game and American culture as a whole.
