Vintage fountain pen signature, “To Joan from Babe Ruth,” on the off-white 4.75 x 4 panel of a folding letter sheet with embossed initial P, dated in another hand August 9, 1947. In very good to fine condition, with toning slightly touching the inscription, small tape remnants to corners (well away from writing), and scattered creases and repaired tear to top edge (affecting background only). The signature itself is clean and completely unaffected by any faults, and the inscription and sheet edges can easily be matted out for a handsome display. Accompanied by a handwritten letter of provenance from the original owner, which reads, in part: “In August of 1947 I was on my father’s 33´ cruiser anchored in Coecles Harbor, Shelter Island [NY] and discovered Babe Ruth was also there on a private boat fishing nearby. My Dad and I rowed over in our dinghy to say ‘hello’ and ask for his autograph. He was very accommodating. He autographed the note card dated August 9, 1947 for me and let me take his picture….” Also included is an original 2.75 x 4.5 candid snapshot taken on the same occasion, featuring a visibly aged Ruth with a pen in one hand and a cigar in his mouth. Unique! Auction LOA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
