The world of sports memorabilia is gearing up for an extraordinary event as Memory Lane Inc. prepares to host its Winter Rarities Auction. This highly anticipated auction will showcase over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia, with a special focus on rare collectibles from the legendary Babe Ruth. Opening on December 21st, this auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of baseball history.
Babe Ruth, known for his larger-than-life persona both on and off the field, continues to captivate fans and collectors even more than 70 years after his passing. His legacy, firmly cemented in the annals of baseball history, comes alive in this auction, where some of his most coveted memorabilia is up for bids.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples. This remarkable image, captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. The rarity of this real photo postcard is reflected in its starting bid of $50,000.
Another exceptional piece is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Ruth. Only three of these cards are known to exist, and this particular card features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on its reverse side. Graded PSA 2, it carries a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also features a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by Ruth after the season. With only three known examples, this card shows Ruth in mid-swing, heading toward first base and is graded PSA 1.5.
Ruth’s presence in the auction extends beyond these unique cards. Several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth and other baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman are also available. Some of these cards are in the highest PSA grades known to exist.
While Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t solely focus on Ruth, the auction also includes a highly sought-after 1911 Turkey Red set break, featuring 10 cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set includes legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.
Additionally, the auction showcases the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, with individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. A high-grade 1953 Topps set break includes PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, along with PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
For autograph collectors, the auction offers eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span years from 1953 to 1958, covering different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
But the Winter Rarities Auction isn’t limited to cards alone. It also features vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, offering a glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
Ruth’s memorabilia takes center stage in the auction, featuring a range of autographed items. A particular highlight is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to his wife Claire, along with a note explaining its significance. Other notable items include a signed 1923 $1 silver certificate, an album page signed by Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, and two autographed golf scorecards.
The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. offers an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a part of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, the auction presents pieces that not only hold immense historical value but also embody the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. As the auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th, it promises to be a memorable event for the world of sports memorabilia.
In conclusion, the Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is a must-attend event for collectors and enthusiasts, featuring over 1,950 lots of sports memorabilia, with a special emphasis on rare Babe Ruth collectibles, including cards, photos, and autographs. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of baseball history and become a custodian of Babe Ruth’s legacy.
