The world of sports memorabilia is buzzing with excitement as Memory Lane Inc. prepares to host its Winter Rarities Auction. This highly-anticipated event will showcase over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia, with a special focus on rare collectibles of the legendary Babe Ruth. Baseball fans and collectors alike will have a unique opportunity to own a piece of history as they bid for some of Ruth’s most coveted memorabilia.
Babe Ruth, known for his larger-than-life persona on and off the field, continues to captivate fans even more than 70 years after his passing. His legacy in the baseball world comes alive in this auction, where enthusiasts can get their hands on some of the most sought-after items related to the iconic player.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples. This rare photograph was taken during the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. The starting bid for this extraordinary piece is set at $50,000.
Another exceptional item up for auction is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Babe Ruth. This card, one of just three known to exist, features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on the reverse side. Graded PSA 2, it carries a minimum bid of $15,000.
Adding to the allure, the auction includes a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by the baseball legend. Only three of these cards are known to exist, with Ruth depicted in mid-swing, heading towards first base. It has been graded PSA 1.5.
The presence of Babe Ruth in this auction extends beyond these unique cards. Collectors will also find several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth and other baseball greats such as Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman. Some of these cards hold the highest PSA grades known to exist.
Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t limit its offerings to Babe Ruth. The Winter Rarities Auction also features a highly sought-after 1911 Turkey Red set break, including 10 cards that are among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set includes legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.
Additionally, collectors have the opportunity to bid on the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, which includes individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. The auction also features a high-grade 1953 Topps set break, including PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, along with PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
For autograph enthusiasts, the auction doesn’t disappoint. It offers eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span from 1953 to 1958, representing different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
But the Winter Rarities Auction isn’t limited to cards alone. It also includes vintage unopened packs and boxes, such as the 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, providing a glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
Babe Ruth’s memorabilia is undoubtedly the highlight of the auction, with a range of autographed items. Notable pieces include a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to Ruth’s wife Claire, along with a note explaining its significance. Other standout items feature 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 a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a part of Babe Ruth’s legendary legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, this 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 summary, the Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is a must-attend event for collectors, featuring over 1,950 lots of sports memorabilia, with a special focus on rare Babe Ruth collectibles, including cards, photos, and autographs. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of baseball history and experience the excitement of this unforgettable auction.
