(LOT 34)
Extremely Scarce 1948 Exhibits Frontage Display Sheet w/Ultra-Rare "Babe Ruth Holding 10 Bats Exhibit Card"
In 1948 the Exhibit Supply Co. issued a very popular 32-card Exhibit set of baseball's greatest Hall of Famers including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Honus Wagner, Cy Young, Tris Speaker and so many more of our National Pastime's greatest players. Measuring approximately 3-3/8" x 5-3/8", black & white player poses were positioned between two Greek Columns, with these cards obtained from the standard vending supply machines typically utilized by the Exhibit Supply Co. since the mid-1920's. To attract potential buyers to the vending machines, an eloquent display/advertising poster measuring some 12-1/2" x 18-1/2" was placed in the machines front window, depicting 9 different player cards.

Seldom surfacing in the hobby and considered extremely scarce, we are proud to present what may arguably be the finest preserved 1948 HOF Exhibit advertising display that appears as if it has just been removed from its original machine! Breathtaking to say the least, this extremely condition sensitive sheet consists of thin paper, and it is virtually miraculous that this seemingly timeless marvel has managed to retain many of its original pristine qualities. Just as impressive is the fact that the first two of the nine cards include the immortal Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, with the Ruth card depicting the much scarcer "holding 10 bats pose" (as compared to the more common batting pose).

When the set was first released, the inaugural Ruth exhibit card included the "Sultan of Swat" holding 10 bats below is waistline. As the story goes, collectors/fans were displeased with this Ruth image so the Exhibit Company quickly chose to replace it with the much more common batting pose. Therefore, it would make sense that this poster stands as one of the early released advertising sheets to promote the HOF Exhibit cards, and is the SOLE copy we have ever come across. Rounding out the remaining 8 players are Lou Gehrig; Lefty Grove, Eddie Plank, Carl Hubbell, Johnny Evers, Tris Speaker, Jack Chesbro & John McGraw.

The bold white upper title reading "BASEBALL'S GREAT HALL OF FAME" has remained unscathed, no tears or obtrusive creasing is apparent, and the corners reveal only some diminutive wear at the utmost tips. A remarkable 69-year old keepsake, its sheer existence in ANY condition is beyond reasoning, let alone its logic defying "EX-MT+" aesthetics. One of the rarest advertising displays extant and never publicly issued, this possibly "unique" masterpiece merits the highest hobby accolades; especially considering it portrays the significantly scarcer "Ruth Holding 10 Bats" exhibit image!

MIN BID $200
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