It's one of the most famous photographs ever taken of the sport's most famous figure, a status gained less for the absolute perfection of the 1932 image than for its inclusion in the fabled 1933 Goudey Baseball issue that joins the 1909-11 T206 and 1952 Topps sets as one of the hobby's "Big Three." But here we find that image in its largest incarnation as part of the rare 1934 Goudey Premium (R309-1) set, a tiny four-subject issue available only through the mail via gum wrapper redemption.
The highly-collectible cardboard relic was subsequently enhanced by a black fountain pen inscription and signature from the legend himself. We're aware of only two other examples of this card in autographed format, and one of those is personalized. While the condition of the premium itself is rough (trimmed corner, creasing, paper loss, and tape remnants on back), the imperfections can easily be forgiven when taking into account the boldness and rare format of the autograph.
"Sincerely 'Babe' Ruth" appears, large and bold, in 9.5/10 black steel-tip fountain pen and the "'Babe'" in quotes format, which is rarely evidenced post 1929, is the latest-known such application that we are aware of. Back reports "Photograph 1932" and "Signature 7/28/41" in vintage black ink. This was signed by The Sultan at a Cleveland Municipal Stadium to benefit the National Amateur Baseball Federation. The July 27, 1941 event was an Annual Amateur Day sponsored by the Cleveland Baseball Federation, with Ruth, Cobb and Speaker serving as celebrity guests. Measures 9" x5.5". Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.