In the exciting world of sports memorabilia collecting, a remarkable discovery has recently emerged, shedding light on the captivating history of early baseball cards. Surprisingly, these rare gems were found tucked away in an unlikely hiding spot – a Band-Aid box. The discovery consists of a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine cards that were previously unknown to enthusiasts in the hobby. After being concealed for nearly a century, this trove of cards has now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The 1921 Herpolsheimer cards, recognized as some of the rarest in the baseball card collecting world, have maintained a mysterious allure among collectors. Up until now, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This recent find not only expands the known universe of these cards but also introduces new faces to the mix.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement about the discovery. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, echoing the sentiment shared by serious collectors who are aware of the rarity and historical value associated with the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this find is just as intriguing as the cards themselves. It was in 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, that these cards were stumbled upon, nestled carefully inside a Band-Aid box – a simple container concealing a small fortune in paper treasures. After staying in touch with the owner of the cards for four years, Crisafulli was finally able to secure this remarkable collection for auction. Each individual card has since been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
Among the treasures is a card featuring the legendary Babe Ruth, making it only the second card of its kind that is known to exist. Considering the scarcity and the iconic status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a significant price at auction. Furthermore, other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice grace this newfound collection, further enhancing its historical significance.
The backs of these cards offer an interesting glimpse into the past as well, with advertisements for the Boy’s Fashion Shop at the Grand Rapids retail store. 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 believed, potentially consisting of 78 or 79 cards rather than the 69 or 70 initially thought to make up the complete set.
Crisafulli’s knowledge of these cards dates back to 2019 when the owner made a discreet inquiry on the Net54 sports card forum. The post piqued the curiosity of forum members, as well as Crisafulli himself, who reached out and remained in contact until the cards were finally consigned for auction.
The backstory of the Herpolsheimer Company, the store that issued these cards, is as rich and diverse as the cards themselves. Established in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it grew to become a significant presence in the Grand Rapids area and beyond. Succession within the company saw Henry Herpolsheimer take the reins, followed by his son Arthur, who facilitated a merger and expanded the business into furniture sales. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber chapter to the family’s history.
The store’s influence even extended to 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, indicating a more widespread release than previously believed. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its customers.
The Band-Aid box in which the cards were found, a relic from the 1930s made of metal, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken – from being a promotional tool in a local store to becoming highly sought-after historical artifacts in 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, with its faint pencil markings and signs of wear from years of handling, tells a unique story – a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the proud new custodians of these invaluable pieces of baseball history.
