Anyone recognize this Ruth Premium?

[UKCardGuy]

I saw this listed as a Ruth Premium. I have no more info that what you see...

I've not been able to find any similar examples. It could be a modern fantasy piece but I thought I'd ask in case someone might recognize it's origin.

Thanks.

[Hankphenom]

It's one of a series of photos of all-time greats issued in the 1960s, I'm guessing, assuming it's an original and not a copy. Not sure if there's a checklist of these anywhere, but I know about them because there is a Walter Johnson in the set. I have no clue as to who did them, manner of distribution, etc. They never had any value to speak of, but with the passage of time and perhaps some rarity now, they might have acquired some. Somebody out there must know more than this.

[Exhibitman]

Here's a similar DiMaggio:



That style of font was used from the 1940s into the 1950s for all sorts of stuff. I believe, based on my research on boxing photos, that they are products of National Studio, a NY-based photographer. that did a lot of boxing publicity photos in the day.

[UKCardGuy]

Thanks Hank and Adam. That's super helpful.

[oldeboo]

Nice observation about National Studios, Adam. National Studios branding appeared on R311 Leathers as well. The R premiums can get confusing. Burdick referred to R311 Leathers as Diamond Stars and that very well may be correct. From my understanding, Goudey gobbled up some of the crumbs of National Chicle in 1937. Diamond Stars shows up again in R303. There are also some thoughts that 1938 Goudey may have had some origins from within National Chicle. Add in the Canadian issues and it is fun attempting to figure it all out.

Anyhow, it’s going to be tough figuring out exactly what that Ruth is. There are going to be differing opinions. There have been claims of it being some sort of an unreleased Goudey premium. If the Goudey angle is correct, there might be an actual proof or two and test prints. If this was something in the works, who knows. Or maybe there was a small distribution by National Studios or someone they partnered with.

A bunch of these images were printed in 1990, so most of what is out there will probably be modern reprints. There was a small version numbered /714 and a larger format 8x10. I would imagine there were then reprints of reprints.

Goudey “Proof”
https://robertedwardauctions.com/auc...-photo-letter/

/714 Example
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...udey-526080188

I would use caution either way. In three replies, there are three different answers. The framed /714 from 1990 is a decent wall hanger and a conversation piece at least.

[Exhibitman]

I think my JoeD has 1950s press markings on the back. I will check later.

[oldeboo]

Here are four examples that were in the Uncle Jimmy Collection. The same Ruth, a DiMaggio variation, Gehrig, Dizzy and Daffy Dean. There is also a third DiMaggio variation from the same hand that I have seen.

https://www.wheatlandauctionservices.com/lot-16775.aspx

[Exhibitman]

Checked mine; no back printing.

[oldeboo]

Adam, thanks for sharing that info.

There is also something else that is interesting about your Joe DiMaggio and Jersey Joe photos. There is a third Joe of interest and that is Joe Louis. Joe Louis is in the 1947 Bond Bread set and you might even have that card? If you take a look at an example, you will realize that the font on the Joe Louis Bond Bread card matches your photos of Joe DiMaggio and Jersey Joe. Joe Louis also shows up in large photo format just like the Babe Ruth being discussed and your photos. If you are correct about National Studios, at least a decent portion of the 1947 Bond Bread set came from negatives of National Studios. These photos are also relevant to Bond Bread if you look at the breakdown between action shots and portraits. If you compare the signatures/font on the action shots compared to portraits, you will realize a pattern.

[Exhibitman]

Well, sure. Here's a Marcel Cerdan (one of the two SP Bonds) photo:



Someone wrote "deceased" onto it. Not a part of the photo.

Here is a picture pack premium made with the same image:



A few more picture packs:




Very HTF.

[UKCardGuy]

I found what the same photo at Getty Images(without the wide pen name). The image is dated circa 1925.

https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail...-photo/3209314

Maybe this is the original photo that was used for the premium?