WTB: Babe Ruth playing days card... need help and advice please.
 

Hi all,

I am looking to purchase a Babe Ruth card printed during his career, strip cards or gum cards I'm game for almost anything. I'm currently studying histiry at the University of Colorado so my budget is somewhat small but I'm in the process of selling off a few cards and pieces of my collection to fund this ambition.

I have always been a collector who has bought small cards here and there but never gone after any big time cards or purchases. Recently while looking at Peyton Manning rookie cards, I changed my philosophy and realized that for what people are asking for the cards of his that interest me, I could instead purchase one instead of a player like Ruth, Gehrig or Robinson and that had I saved my money that went towards many of my smaller purchases, I would be well on my way to being able to afford a decent card of a big name (albiet low grade.)

So, I'd like to embark on a journey to acquire a card of the Babe from his playing days. I'm looking for something presentable but creases, tears, cuts or chunks missing won't bother me... being a history student, I'm in it for the history above all else, plus these "defects" will allow me the chance at a more affordable copy. My budget is $1,000 but obviously cheaper is better for this fifth year senior lol.

If anyone is able to help educate me on what is out there within my range or better yet, share what they might be willing to sell, it would be ver much appreciated!

Thanks so much,

Jake

1929 Shonen Club or 1932 Sanella would be my suggestion, maybe a low grade 1929 Kashin. I might also suggest a way to save for big cards that works for me, take that 1K and start a separate account, keep looking at every Ruth available including auction houses so you learn the Ruth market, in the meantime sell some cards that are less important to you and put it in that account, don't buy $6 coffee or go out to eat, put that money in your Ruth account. Soon enough the Ruth card that speaks to you and your budget will meet. Good luck in your hunt!

Jake, I think you can acquire a decent-looking card from either of these Babe Ruth sets for your budgeted amount:

If I was buying a "Ruth" and had a $1k budget and was in a hurry:
1929 Churchman Sports

Great image, interesting background text, unique set. Not the most collectible/wanted so upside is likely modest, but would be a nice personal collection piece if you wanted some Babe in your life.

Best of luck...can always wait and save for something that sparks joy. I have a 42 card (graded/one-touch) display case that I have with UV glass in a light limited room. The cards that truly make me smile live in there. My recently-passed friend and I would always discuss purchases on whether they'd be "case worthy" or live in my banker's cardboard box (aka my "shame box"). If they weren't worthy of going in the display case, odds of me buying would go down...also meant I'd need to figure out which card was leaving the case...

Good luck!

There aren't a whole lot of options anymore for a playing days Ruth card for under $1,000, but I like 1931 Josetti Tobacco card of Ruth with actor Harold Lloyd. The card has a a real photo of Ruth (taken during the making of the movie "Speedy"), as opposed to some of the hideous strip cards that barely resemble Ruth.

https://www.psacard.com/cardfacts/ba...oyd-151/631230

The 1932 Bulgaria Sport Tobacco card of Ruth (shown in his Yankees uniform) with boxer Max Schmeling is another nice option that is consistently available for under $1,000.

https://www.psacard.com/cardfacts/mu...ing-256/631232

I would keep my eye out for a low grade or altered 1929 Kashin Ruth.

Its a large card with a photo image so presents nicely.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303940365837

Looks like a couple have sold for under 1k recently.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

These are well over 1k now....

Sanella Babe Ruth has a great pose and can easily be had for under $1k

Ruth strip card
 

I have been watching the Ruth strip cards, many of those ungraded are reprints. I would suggest a graded example if you go that route--

Kashin is the way to go. Might have to be patient to get one under $1,000 but it's a great card. I bought this one for $1,500 last March but I don't know if you can still find them in that range. I particularly like this issue for the image and the fact that I could pick up a mid-grade example:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e318ebf5_z.jpg

If you are going to get just one Ruth item, I personally would get much more enjoyment from a larger real-photo premium than a strip card or the other cards noted above. The R310 Butterfinger can still be had for under $1000 (four recent eBay sales under that mark). There is also a Quaker Oats premium with a great photo; it's hard to find but they usually go for $500 or less. I just picked up both of these last month and the total bill was under $2K.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9bc7287b_w.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5316a5a8_w.jpg

Froy Joy. A pretty rare and significant card that is undervalued because of all the fakes. Which also means you want to buy a graded one.

I like the Senella. Paper think but a nice looking card.

1932 Bulgaria Sport is a neat card, and affordable even in a decent grade.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/WOwAA...C9Q/s-l300.jpg

I like this less expensive card because the Babe is in uniform.

Brian

and easily recognizable, which is not the case on a number of the cards mentioned.

I would save up for a Kashin, if it were me. Preferably, already graded.