Title: Rare 1921 Herpolsheimer Baseball Cards Surface for Auction
Subtitle: Unveiling a hidden treasure trove of baseball history
Meta Description: Discover the extraordinary find of 39 rare 1921 Herpolsheimer baseball cards, including a second Babe Ruth card, up for auction.
In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a stunning discovery has emerged, shedding light on the captivating history of early baseball cards. Tucked away in an unlikely place—an old Band-Aid box—resides an incredible find: a collection of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine cards that were previously unknown to enthusiasts. Having remained hidden for nearly a century, these treasure trove cards have now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, have long held a reputation as some of the rarest in the baseball card collecting world. Until recently, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This newfound discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also introduces new faces into the mix.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement, sharing, “I’ve been captivated by these for years.” This sentiment echoes among serious collectors who recognize the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this extraordinary find is as fascinating as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were stumbled upon within a Band-Aid box—a humble container that housed a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the card owner for four years, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. They have since been graded by PSA and will be individually auctioned off.
One of the standout cards in the collection is a Babe Ruth card, only the second of its kind known to exist. Considering the scarcity and the legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to fetch a hefty price at auction. In addition, other esteemed Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, Sam Rice, and more grace this newfound collection, further elevating its significance.
The reverse side of these cards is equally captivating, as they showcase advertisements for the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop. The discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist—Dave Bancroft, Johnny Evers, Harry Hooper, Stuffy McInnis, Art Nehf, Wally Schang, George Sisler, Casey Stengel, and Fred Toney—suggests that the set may be larger than previously thought, possibly comprising 78 or 79 cards rather than the 69 or 70 assumed to complete the set.
Crisafulli’s knowledge of these cards began in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired on the Net54 sports card forum. This post piqued the curiosity of forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to ongoing communication until the auction consignment was eventually secured.
The Herpolsheimer Company’s backstory is as diverse and captivating as the cards themselves. Established in 1870 by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt as a dry goods store, it would go on to become a prominent presence both in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer later took over the reins, followed by his son Arthur, who facilitated a merger and expansion into furniture sales. Tragically, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also touched national history when Betty Bloomer, who would later become the First Lady as the wife of President Gerald R. Ford, worked there as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards reshapes the narrative surrounding their distribution and significance, pointing to a more widespread release than previously believed. It paints a portrait of a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The vintage Band-Aid box where these cards were unearthed, a metal relic from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable journey these cards have embarked upon—originating as promotional tools in a local store and eventually evolving into covetable historical artifacts within the realm of collectibles.
As the auction date approaches, these cards are poised to captivate the collecting community, providing a rare glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card, marked with faint pencil inscriptions and wear from countless hands, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new custodians of these invaluable pieces of baseball history.
