Question about Babe Ruth underwear box

[HBroll]

Hi,
I have a question about Babe Ruth's 1920's/30's underwear box. I have always seen them with green on the flaps of the box (photo 1) but recently I saw one with the flaps of the box white (photo 2, box top flattened out). Is the box top with white flaps legit or a fantasy piece? Thanks for your help.
Howard

[canjond]

I'm pretty sure it's legit - just a different style.

[base_ball]

I vaguely recall seeing one version like this...here's a question: Is the image printed directly onto the cardboard box? Or is it a piece of paper pasted onto the box?

[HBroll]

Hi Joseph,
The image is a piece of thick paper pasted onto the box. I know the other type is printed directly onto the box so this one makes me wonder a little bit.
Howard

[canjond]

If it's pasted onto the box, then I would take back what I said and lean towards it being a fake piece. I could have sworn I've seen the green/white before, but it sounds too much like a fantasy piece now.

[bigtrain]

I own a similar box. Mine says "SIZE - LG" on the flap. I bought it assuming it was not vintage but on closer examination I am not sure. The glue used on the label has yellowed as is visible on the top of your picture. The box certainly looks old from the inside as well. It is certainly possible that someone came across a bunch of old clothing boxes and had newer labels made and pasted onto them. It is also possible that the full color boxes were too expensive and the company decided to cut costs. If not vintage, it is a pretty good fake.

[HBroll]

I was leaning toward it being a fake too but now I am not so sure.

I agree with you Tom. The box top I have looks vintage as well. The box is definitely period and the label looks old with the yellowing of glue you stated. It is missing "The Champion Nine" line at the bottom of the box which is odd too. It is very possible that the full color boxes were too expensive and the company cut costs and these box tops were the result.

Here is the actual Ruth box top I bought on eBay last week. The other photo I posted was my file photo. On this photo you can see the yellowing of the glue too. Like you said, if they are not real, they are a really good fake.