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Lot # 423: 1937 Babe Ruth Federal Income Tax Return

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 6 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2019 Spring Classic",
which ran from 5/7/2019 10:00 AM to
6/7/2019 10:00 PM



Great detail on this unsigned return (8.5x11"). Ruth was a charitable man: He listed donations to the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the Police and Firemen's Benefit, and to churches. The Babe also took a deduction of $3,372.92 for "Baseballs, Photographs, and other items necessary for advertising, etc." The IRS later disallowed these deductions and Ruth later fought the IRS on this matter and won. Also listed on the four-page return is, "Rent of safety deposit box." (can you imagine what was in there!!!) Made incredible income for retired ballplayer of $178,876.59. This great post-playing success can be attributed to his amazingly creative agent, Christy Walsh.

 

This collection is originally from Babe Ruth’s right hand man: Mr. Joe Bihler. Bihler handled personally the Babe Ruth account for christy Walsh, Babe Ruth’s legendary agent. Bihler & Walsh took loving care of the Babe from the peak of his playing career, till his final years. 
Along with their #1 client Babe Ruth, Walsh & Bihler represented most of the major sports legends over their careers including lou Gehrig, ty cobb, Knute Rockne, John McGraw and many more in a myriad of different sports. These important documents are fascinating look into the life and times of George Herman “Babe” Ruth. they include several of his income tax returns, income notes from his banner 1927 year showing great detail of his earnings, a telegram from a racist police chief, and a great letter Ruth sent to the IRS regarding a deduction he made for his wife acting as his secretary. 

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