Very nice example of the M101-4 #151, the Babe Ruth rookie card. The M101-4 set is usually mentioned as being distributed by The Sporting News, but the M101-4 set was also issued with numerous advertisers printed on the reverses, mostly clothing stores. One of the rarer reverses features advertising for Herpolsheimer's clothing store, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is the advertiser adorning this Ruth card.
According to a period newspaper advertisement, Herpolsheimer’s distributed these cards 20 at a time to children in their area for 10 weeks, having to return all 10 days to receive a complete set.
Despite the card having a horizontal crease across the middle, which does not intersect with Ruth's face, this is a very nice card in all other respects, including the smooth, even rounding of all four corners. Most importantly, the image is outstanding, bright and crisp, with flawless registration. Ruth's facial features are clear and in full display. It is also very well centered for the issue, as the majority of Ruth rookie cards are usually way off center to the left. The reverse advertisement for Herpolsheimer Company is bold and well struck.
As of this writing, there have been four examples of the Herpolsheimer Ruth card graded by PSA, with two grading higher at PSA EX 5 and PSA NM 7. Despite its grade, primarily due to the horizontal crease, this Babe Ruth rookie card displays exceptionally well and is adorned with one of the rarest reverses possible.
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