1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth Hand Cut

The 1921 Schapira Bros. Babe Ruth Hand Cut set displays the “Bambino” in various poses on six different cards measuring approximately 1-5/8” to 1-3/4” by 2-1/2”. Research has dated this blank-back set to approximately 1921 based upon Ruth’s uniform, though the actual date is unknown. The red-white-and-blue unnumbered cards were affixed to a box of candy with a portrait card on each. Collectors were encouraged to send in 250 of the pictures including one of each of the five action cards in order to receive in Get a Base Ball Autographed by “Babe” Ruth.” The portrait cards spell out the contest rules and offer the company’s address where the cards can be send. The action images, however, only show a crude drawing of Ruth and caption printed below. Two portrait variations exist displaying arrows alongside Ruth’s head or missing the arrows. The set consists cards captioned: Cleared the Bases (#1), Home Run (#2), Over the Fence (#3), They Passed Him (#4), Waiting for a High One (#5), and Babe Ruth Portrait (#6a – with arrows) and Babe Ruth Portrait (#6b – without the arrows).