In the exciting world of sports memorabilia collecting, a surprising discovery has recently come to light, shedding new light on the captivating history of early baseball cards. A remarkable find has emerged, tucked away in an unexpected place – a Band-Aid box. A collection of 39 cards from the exceedingly rare 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine previously unknown cards, has been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The 1921 Herpolsheimer cards have long been regarded as some of the rarest in the baseball card collecting world. Only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. However, this recent find 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, can hardly contain his excitement. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared. This sentiment is shared by serious collectors who are well aware of the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this extraordinary find is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, these cards were discovered at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, hidden inside a Band-Aid box – an unassuming container that concealed a small fortune in paper treasures. After four years of maintaining contact with the owner, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. Each card has been graded by PSA and will be individually auctioned off.
Among the collection is a card featuring the iconic Babe Ruth, which is only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to fetch a substantial price at auction. Other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice also grace this newfound collection, further enhancing its significance.
Not only are the fronts of these cards captivating, but the backs also add an interesting twist. They serve as advertisements for the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop. The discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist, including 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 comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of the originally thought 69 or 70.
Crisafulli first encountered these cards in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. This post caught the attention of forum members and Crisafulli himself, who reached out and remained in contact until the cards were consigned for auction.
The story of the Herpolsheimer Company, the issuer of these cards, is as fascinating as the cards themselves. Founded as a dry goods store in 1870 by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, the company became an influential presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer later took over, followed by his son Arthur, who oversaw a merger and the expansion into furniture sales. Sadly, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also intersected with national history when Betty Bloomer, who would later become 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 has reshaped the narrative surrounding their distribution and significance, pointing to a more widespread release than previously thought. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly used the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its customers.
The Band-Aid box, a metal relic from the 1930s where these cards were found, serves as a powerful 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 world of collectibles.
As the auction date approaches, these cards are poised to captivate the collecting community, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card, with its faint pencil markings and signs of wear from handling, holds a unique story – a story that collectors will soon have the chance to continue as they become the new custodians of these invaluable pieces of baseball history.
