January 23 2009 Written by Sport Collector's Daily

Signed 1927 Yankees Photo Tops $33K

A 1927 Yankees autographed team photo is generating interest among those with a jones for rare baseball memorabilia.

Mix one of the legendary teams in baseball history with what would appear to be airtight provenance and the high grade blessing of an authenticator and you've got a potential blockbuster piece of sports memorabilia.

SCP Auctions' first sale of 2009 includes a one-of-a-kind 1927 Yankees signed photo graded 9 by PSA/DNA. With several days still left to bid, the over-sized, framed black and white image has already broached $33,000.

Originally given by Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert to James Hanes, manager of the Hollywood Beach Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, as a token of Ruppert`s gratitude for his many visits during the winter and spring training, the photo changed hands to a family friend after Hanes passed away.

Dubbed `Murderer`s Row,` the 1927 Yankees outscored their opponents by nearly 400 runs and hit a staggering .307 as a team. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig lead the New York powerhouse with Ruth setting his single-season home run record of 60 and Gehrig`s .373 batting average, 47 home runs and league leading 175 RBI`s. Coupled with a pitching staff that included four pitchers with 18 or more wins the Bronx Bombers won the American League pennant by 19 games and defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series.

Other highlights from the current auction include a rare 1916-1918 Harry Hooper Boston Red Sox jersey and an autographed, game