October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
In the 1920's and 30's no celebrity endorsement was more prized than that of Babe Ruth. As the most recognized man in the free world, The Babe's mug was used to boost the sales of everything from watches to underwear. As this era was the golden age of advertising many of these pieces are beautifully done, but none more so than the famous Old Gold Cigarettes display. This majestic mini billboard has all the bells and whistles of a perfect advertising piece: The Babe is front and center, caught in a home run swing follow through in his home Yankees pinstripes (very reminiscent of his classic 1933 Goudey baseball card). The background is a soothing art deco teal with the 8" tall three dimensional "Old Gold" logo popping off the surface in golden yellow. An inviting opened pack of Old Gold's are rendered on the left panel of the triptych and a smaller illustration of The Babe taking the "Blindfold cigarette test" is beside his full length portrait. "Old Gold's mildness and smoothness marked it 'right off the bat' as the best" Ruth is quoted as saying, above his large and unmistakable, facsimile signature. Simply put, there is no finer baseball advertising piece than the early 1930's Old Gold Ruth piece.
Due to the sheer size of this magnificent piece, surviving examples tend to be in poor condition. Fortunately this one has been restored to its former glory and displays beautifully. The three panels that make up this piece have been reattached with archival tape. There are some light staining and edge chipping, none of which distracts from the attractiveness of the display. The back has evidence of water staining and the is the remains of the original easel used for its display on store countertops. The original 4" x 6" "Property of P. Lorillard Co." paper label is still present on the back. While the display was originally 38" x 52", this one has been slightly trimmed on its left and right sides and now measures 48 3/4". Pound for pound, there is simply no baseball advertising piece as sought after or as visually appealing as the Babe Ruth Old Gold, and this particular one is a amongst the best you will find.