This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
As the most popular man in country, Babe Ruth was the unabashed idol of millions of Americans. One of those fans was a talented wood sculpture named DL Watts. Who exactly was DL Watts? We have no idea. But, we do know that this 21” tall baseball-themed sculpture was a cherished keepsake of the slugger, one that he proudly displayed in his own home. The piece consists of a 7 1/2” x 7 1/2” base supporting a square block on which “BABE”, RUTH” and “1933” is carved in raised letters along with a relief of a period baseball glove. A slightly larger-than-life baseball supports and four-sides block on which are two large relief portraits of the Babe, one with his Yankees cap and the other bare-headed. “NY” and YANKS” runs up the other sides in raised letters. The unique baseball “totem pole” is topped off by four miniature bats supporting a single ball.
Measuring a Ruthian 21 1/2” tall, it must have been a great conversation piece in the Ruth household. The wood has aged to a deep, rich brown. There are some light scuffing and dings from being on display and the bats and ball on the top has been replaced some time since it was presented to Ruth. The artist’s name, “DL WATTS”, is carved into the base. To illustrate it’s provenance as being from the Babe’s home, a copy of a photo is included depicting Ruth’s wife Claire and a young Mickey Mantle admiring the artifact during a visit to Ruth’s former home.
LOA from the Ruth family.