Rare panoramic photograph capturing Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig posing with their respective teams in Des Moines, Iowa, during the famous 1927 "Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lous" barnstorming tour. Both Ruth and Gehrig have been identified in white lettering beneath their images. The lettering along the base reads "Ruth Gehrig Group/Western League Base Ball Park - Oct 17-1927 Des Moines Iowa." The photographer's credit appears in the lower left corner. Accompanied by an LOA from PSA, which has certified the panorama as Type III Authentic. It must be understood that original Type I panoramas from the 1927 Ruth/Gehrig barnstorming tour are exceedingly rare, with few examples known. As PSA notes in its LOA, this Type III example, made from a duplicate negative at the approximate time that the photo was taken, is equally rare. This is the first example of this panorama that we have ever offered and we cannot recall the last time we have seen another at auction. 

The "Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lous" barnstorming tour, which traversed the country in both 1927 and 1928, was one of the most successful postseason tours in baseball history, as thousands flocked to the ballpark at each venue to see the two greatest sluggers in the game. Ruth and Gehrig were the only two players on the tour who traveled. Each of their respective teams was rostered with local talent, which only added to the “grassroots” spirit of the tour. Most of the games were never completed because the fans often rushed the field in the later innings to personally meet their idols. Souvenirs from the tour are scarce today, especially panoramas. Because of the nature of the tour, photos such as this were usually available only in the host town, which explains why so few examples have survived. The photo (19.75x5.5") displays several moderate creases, many of which have been stabilized on the reverse with acid-free linen tape. Small areas of the photo have been professionally restored and a few small abrasions have been colored. All of the restorative work is well executed and the piece retains an overall Excellent appearance.