Lot # 2642: 1934 Babe Ruth and Mickey Cochrane Original Photograph - Babe's 700th Career Home Run - PSA/DNA Type I - Signed and Inscribed by Ruth and Mickey Mantle (Ex-Barry Halper Collection)

Extremely rare signed original photograph featuring the combined signatures of Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, originating from the famous Barry Halper collection. PSA/DNA has encapsulated the photo and certified both the signature as "Authentic" and the photograph as a Type I. The photo, captured by Detroit Times staff photographer Bill Smith, features Hall of Famers Babe Ruth and Mickey Cochrane seated in the dugout following the conclusion of a game held at Navin Field in Detroit on July 13, 1934. This game would mark the day Ruth hit his historic 700th career home run off of Detroit Tigers starter Tommy Bridges in the third inning. Original photos from Babe Ruth's 700th career home run game are extremely rare, but signed examples from that era are virtually non-existent. Presumably a gift from Ruth to Cochrane, Ruth's inscription, written in black fountain pen across his image, reads "To my Pal Mickey, Sincerely, Babe Ruth." Many years later, at the request of legendary collector Barry Halper, Mantle signed this photo in blue ink across Cochrane's image. Mantle scripted "Mickey Cochrane. This is the man I was named after- Mickey Mantle." It's a known fact that Mantle's father was a huge fan of Mickey Cochrane. A "Smith/Detroit Times Photo" credit stamp appears on the reverse, along with an "x" mark in pencil. The photo (10 x 8 inches) has a few light creases and a small hole on the top border. In Good to Very Good condition overall. This is an extremely historic photograph combining the signatures of two of the greatest Yankees sluggers, and it is only fitting that it came to reside in the Barry Halper Collection, for Barry's passion for Ruth and Mantle memorabilia was unparalleled in the hobby. This is a simply phenomenal piece and one that will most assuredly be the focal point of any advanced New York Yankees or autograph collection. According to our consignor, this is the only certified Type 1 photo signed by both Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.