While the frequency of his tape-measure home runs began to wane, his trot around the bases slowed ever so slightly and the vigor of his all-or-nothing swings lessened in the twilight of his incomparable playing career, Babe Ruth remained, without question, the most beloved and mythical figure in American culture. This mid-1930s photograph attests to Ruth’s undying appeal and is autographed by its iconic subject. Unevenly trimmed along the lower border, the crease-free black-and-white thick stock photo measures approximately 5 x 4” and depicts Ruth at the center (of course), flanked by four women on either side. In front of the gathering, stacks of sealed cardboard boxes suggest a collection or charity event of some sort. On Ruth’s jacket, an “All Americans” patch matches those worn on the 1934 Tour of Japan, a trip on which Ruth (who had already played his last game for the Yankees) hit 13 home runs in 22 games and was by far the main attraction, eliciting cries of “Banzai” and “Rusu, Rusu, Rusu!” from Japanese natives lining the streets some 40 deep. On the photo’s lower border, Ruth has signed in blue-ink fountain pen. The scripting emerges from a stark white background and resonates (“8-9”) strength and clarity. Individual full photo LOAs from PSA/DNA and JSA. This item has a reserve (estimated value: $3000-$4500).