Ruth, George Herman ("Babe") | A one-cent check accomplished and signed by Babe Ruth with an unusual form of his autograph

The Passion of American Collectors: Property of Barbara and Ira Lipman

Ruth, George Herman ("Babe")

Printed check, accomplished and signed ("G H Ruth")

Printed check (212 x 80 mm), no place (printed designation of Cincinnati crossed out), 1922, accomplished by Ruth in favor of Waldo C. Moore for one cent, countersigned by Wellington Cross, drawn on the First National Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio, overprinted in red "Counter-Check," and with vignette of the First National Bank Building in the left margin. Matted, framed, and glazed.

This munificent check was evidently part of some joke or a gag bet. The recipient was a noted numismatist; Ruth's co-signer was a celebrated vaudeville performer and occasionally the Babe's partner on stage.

PROVENANCE

The Roy P. Crocker Historical Document Collection of the Lincoln Savings and Loan Association (Sotheby Parke Bernet, 28 November 1979, lot 305)