This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/4/2021
Looking back there is two distinct “uniforms” Babe Ruth is remember for wearing. The first is his “work” uniform, the classic Yankees home pinstripes with his unforgettable number “3” on the back and navy blue cap with the intertwined “NY” on the front. The other is his “civilian” uniform, his wonderfully stylish camel hair coat and handsome matching cap. Beginning as early as 1922, countless photos were taken of the Babe wearing this off-work ensemble, boarding cruise ships to exotic locations, spreading joy on his many visits to orphanages, touring Manhattan’s hottest night spots or watching that years’ Fall Classic from a box seat right behind home plate.
The Babe’s unique light golden brown dress set him apart from the dark suited fedora-wearing masses. His old friend and longtime teammate Waite Hoyt had this to say, “Babe’s civilian ensemble became the camel’s hair coat, the camel’s hair cap. The coat he never fully donned. He wore it like an opera cape–loosely draped over his massive shoulders. In truth, it was becoming.” When weather turned warm, the Babe jettisoned the bulky coat and wore the camel hair cap solo, the brim usually tilted at a jaunty angle to match his personality. Over time, the light brown cap became almost as well known as his work one that bore the Yankees logo.
This is the Babe’s camel hair cap in all its glory. As his favored headgear, the 8-panel camel hair exterior shows moderate wear from use. There are several small stains present on its crown and on the underside. The stitching has come loose in some areas though there are no obvious gaps or holes visible. The brown leather headband has cracked from its excellent use and age and there is the expected interior staining present. A “Custom Styled” label is affixed to the interior of its crown. A Hall of Fame-worthy piece as identifiable with Babe Ruth as his Yankees cap.
Originally sold at Sotheby's as part of the Halper collection in 1999 and has resided within the Al Tapper Collection ever since.
Estimate: $20,000+
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.