This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 2/7/2014.
Home run champion. Media star. Fan favorite. Hero. Legend. These are just a few of the words that have been used to describe the inimitable Babe Ruth, the most celebrated baseball player in history. In fact, the word "Ruthian" has entered the popular vernacular to define "of mammoth proportions." Although Ruth's personality was larger than life, he still had to administer his life, in one way or another, much like the rest of us — paying bills, going shopping, going to the bank and even writing checks. This “Chase National Bank” personal check “No. 476” of Babe Ruth’s has been made out to “Cash” in the amount of “$50.00/100” and is dated “Dec. 1st”. The year was not filled in but the “12+1 45 CNB-16” marks punched into the check indicate that it dates to 1945. “Fifty 00/100” appears on the check amount line. The Bambino has signed this personal check “GH Ruth” twice, once on the front as well as the endorsement on the verso. All of the writing and both signatures appear in period black fountain pen and in our opinion the front signature rates a 8 and the rear signature rates a 9. The non-signature items are done in Claire Ruth’s hand. Two bank stamps appear on the verso of the check and read, “DEC. 1 45 3014” and “U.T.16 2”. Neither the bank stamps nor the punches affect the signatures in any way. There is a vertical crease where the check was once folded in half, it does not intersect with either signature. A small hole is present on the line below “Cash”. The check is perforated on two sides and measures approximately 8-½” x 3”. It is in EX-NM overall condition and is accompanied by a Full LOA from JSA.