Trio of Babe Ruth c1915 Real Photo Postcards in HA

[bcbgcbrcb]

Curious as to why the SGC 4 Ruth postcard sold for $125K more than the SGC 5 Ruth postcard in Heritage over the weekend? The third example selling for much less is obvious, Ruth was not the primary focus of that image although clearly him sitting on the bench.

[Baseball Rarities]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

Curious as to why the SGC 4 Ruth postcard sold for $125K more than the SGC 5 Ruth postcard in Heritage over the weekend? The third example selling for much less is obvious, Ruth was not the primary focus of that image although clearly him sitting on the bench.

There are two copies of the pitching pose known and only one of the hands on hips pose.

Great postcards. Congratulations to the winners.

[bcbgcbrcb]

That is true. My two best guesses as to why: the one with two known examples, the other one sold last year for $152K and neither of the two highest bidders wanted to go above the almighty “comp” from last time. The even more likely scenario to me though, the same individual who bought the SGC 4 with the two known bought this SGC 4 as well but didn’t need this SGC 5 since they already owned the other copy so one less deep pockets bidder on that one left it short $125K for seemingly just as good of a card. That would be sick if my theory is correct.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Wow, only one person on the board has an opinion about this?

[Lucas00]

Pics?

[bcbgcbrcb]

Sure, here you go…….

[Lucas00]

My guess is that it's just rarer. I want to say I've seen 3 or so examples of the hand in glove one. But the hands at hips, that is the first time I've ever seen it. Maybe two Ruth collectors that already had the hand in glove one went at it for the hands at hips.

Edit: Based on reply above seems this is probably the case

[bcbgcbrcb]

Exactly my point, Lucas. Two known copies for one and a single copy of the other. At that level of scarcity, is there really a difference? Only way there possibly could be is the same person owning one of the two known also felt compelled to buy the single known example as well. Who knows, probably the third different ‘15 Ruth postcard in Heritage as well. The rich just get richer and the rest of us are left trying to figure out how we’re ever going to afford any really big cards like these.

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

Exactly my point, Lucas. Two known copies for one and a single copy of the other. At that level of scarcity, is there really a difference? Only way there possibly could be is the same person owning one of the two known also felt compelled to buy the single known example as well. Who knows, probably the third different ‘15 Ruth postcard in Heritage as well. The rich just get richer and the rest of us are left trying to figure out how we’re ever going to afford any really big cards like these.

The babe Red Sox market certainly isn't one I'll be stepping into in this lifetime.

[Leon]

First world problem.
Lower your expectations a little and keep having fun. I don't buy big cards as I can't afford them either. But, I revel in the cool cards I am fortunate to obtain. And I really like getting cards back from my original collection. Yesterday, I picked up 3 more from my original collection. They only cost 3x what I sold them for 10 yrs ago, a true bargain!

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

Exactly my point, Lucas. Two known copies for one and a single copy of the other. At that level of scarcity, is there really a difference? Only way there possibly could be is the same person owning one of the two known also felt compelled to buy the single known example as well. Who knows, probably the third different ‘15 Ruth postcard in Heritage as well. The rich just get richer and the rest of us are left trying to figure out how we’re ever going to afford any really big cards like these.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Those are relative bargains, Leon. I paid $3K for my Ruth postcard and sold it for $5K a couple of years later. Today, I have to pay 30X to get it back again (that’s assuming someone else isn’t willing to go even higher than that). That’s a little bit rediculous, don’t you think? We’re only talking a dozen years later, not like I bought it back in the ‘70’s.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

Those are relative bargains, Leon. I paid $3K for my Ruth postcard and sold it for $5K a couple of years later. Today, I have to pay 30X to get it back again (that’s assuming someone else isn’t willing to go even higher than that). That’s a little bit rediculous, don’t you think? We’re only talking a dozen years later, not like I bought it back in the ‘70’s.

Yep. Some stuff has definitely gone nuts during that window. Not much we can do about it but come to grips with the fact that some stuff is just not in the cards for us. But for my money, I’d rather focus on the great stuff that I can still afford, and the great stuff that I already own.

[puckpaul]

One more thought…the newer 4 is in better condition than the old 5.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Based on the front pics, I would say you’re right, Paul. Would you pay $125K more for that minute difference in condition though? That’s almost double the price.