photo expert opinion
 

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps48d71483.jpg

I know for sure this is a type 1 and the seller is willing to let it go for $250....good deal?

Joey,

In terms of aesthetics, it's a beautiful photo. Good composition, clarity and contrast. It might be the content that could be a bit more fetching, but that's all in the eyes of the beholder. They're a lot of collectors who really like shots of players receiving awards or being a part of on-the-field ceremonies.

If it at all helps your decision, judging from Ruth's jersey, the image dates back to between 1927 and 1930. It's definitely from Griffith Stadium in Washington, as well. Who the other gent is holding the bat, I don't know.

The fact is, if you're 100% sure it's a Type 1, I would imagine that a shot of Ruth like this from his most famous years would be a nice deal at $250. Then again, when it comes to the pricing of this kind of stuff, I know very little. Maybe Ben, Rhys, Lance, David or some others wanna chime in?

Either way, I say that if the image strikes you, go for it!

Graig

Its funny because I know the more valuable and sought after are the ones of him in uniform or a real significant photo but Im more drawn to the ones of him with kids because it shows the other side of him. Ruth seemed to be very involved with helping kids and those photos always seem to appeal to me. I wish I could afford a Bain or Thompson photo. Maybe Ben will feel generous this christmas..lol

Any indication of the event or who the other guy(s) are in the photo?

$250 doesn't sound too off to me if it's a Type 1 (perhaps top of market unless the event is significant and I'm just not recognizing it). I would still like to hear other opinions though as I find my sense of true "value" is a bit off after a long summer of slow eBay sales and selling mostly mid- to low-end material. Takes a little while to readjust my barometer. Ask Ben if he would buy it at $250, and then if he says yes, snatch it up quick before he figures out where you saw it :D

HAHA... It all depends on who this guy is and what the event is. I have no idea without researching. If it is a type 1, and 1927-30 with zero special content..I, personally, would not pay 250 for it. But it is not completely unreasonable. If you really like it, it is probably worth it. I just do not think you will be able to turn it for profit easily if that is what you are shooting for. Just my 2 cents. :)

deal or no deal
 

JoeyF,
You've already had some quite helpful comments.
In my photo collecting, I do spend a great deal of time evaluating the
reverse of the photo. I wish that you could provide this, assuming that
it is not blank. I'd like to also know how you are certain it is a type 1.
Perhaps this information would help us to know something of the provenance,
which could help in determining valuation.
I agree wholeheartedly with your love of the pics of Ruth and the kids,
but this photo appears to be a scene that is militarily based or at least akin
to some governmental honoring of Babe.
$250 is often not a bad price for a Ruth, but I would have to reserve judgement until I hear responses from the aforementioned issues.
all the best,
barry

Joey,
What is the exact press date on reverse side?

Joey,

I had posted in one of your earlier Photo threads. I am by no means an expert but I have about 5k wire and press photos in my collection, so I know a little about the subject. Unlike, cards and other areas of sports memorabilia, there is no definitive price guide for photos. My experience with photos is that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". I have seen common photos of Ruth that are similar to each other sell for $50 to $500 with no rhyme or reason for the premium. Are you buying these for resale? If so, I think that the $250 is high and you will have very little profit in the photo and could even be upside down when you go to sell it. If you are buying the photo for your collection...do you like the photo enough to pay $250 and will it make you happy to own it?

Just my 2¢. Good luck.

Jeff

Agreed... Asking people how much they think something it worth(photo) is completely subjective. Search past auctions to get a feel for prices realized and only buy what you are happy with. Do not go by what others think. if i dod that, i eould not have yhe vollection i do. I have ponied up For many of my photos and many would pay double what i dod now. Buying to resell vs to enjoy in a collection are two completely different things in the photo world.

Thanks for the input guys...im only buying to to add to my collection not to re-sell. I completely agree that its all subjective and I personally like this photo but didnt want to over pay. Rhys' s auction is starting soon so before I even think about picking this up im going to see what he has first. Cant wait!

I think $250 is reasonable. If it was just some nobody middle aged guy next to him I would value it less, but him being Secretary of War make it interesting. I read the back caption to see who it was.

Ruth photos are not rare, so you have to picky about which ones to put the extra $$. I would say this photo is average-range in subject-- not early but not late, nothing exceptional, but pleasant enough, no one else famous but with a notable guy, interesting military story. The image itself is nice, clean and focused. The $250 is probably an average-range photos for his photo, so it seems to fit.

If I thought the price was unduly high, I would say so.

My vote is closer to $150 - I have seen much more interesting Ruth photos go for under $200. Unfortunately, I have sold some of them.

Lol

buy the photo already Jesus!! lmao thanks for the past purchases!!

Regards,


Albert