In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, an unexpected and exciting discovery has recently come to light. Hidden inside a Band-Aid box, of all places, a remarkable cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set has been found. What makes this find even more intriguing is that it includes nine cards that were previously unknown to collectors. These long-forgotten treasures have now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event, much to the excitement of baseball card enthusiasts.
The 1921 Herpolsheimer cards have always been considered among the rarest and most sought-after in the world of baseball card collecting. Up until now, 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 adds new players to the mix.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm about the discovery. He shared, “I’ve been captivated by these cards for years.” This sentiment is echoed by serious collectors who understand the rarity and historical significance of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story of how these cards were found is as fascinating as the cards themselves. In 2019, during an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, the cards were stumbled upon inside a Band-Aid box. This simple container turned out to be the hiding place for a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the card owner for four years, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. Each card has been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
Among the remarkable cards in this find is a Babe Ruth card, which is only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and the legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a high price at auction. Additionally, other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice are featured in this newfound collection, further enhancing its significance.
Not only are the fronts of these cards captivating, but the backs also hold interest. They advertise the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop, adding a unique touch to these collectibles. The discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist, including players like 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. It is now thought to possibly comprise 78 or 79 cards instead of the 69 or 70 cards initially considered to make up the complete set.
Crisafulli first became aware of these cards in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. This caught the attention of both forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to discussions that eventually resulted in the cards being consigned for auction.
The backstory of the Herpolsheimer Company is just as intriguing as the cards themselves. Founded as a dry goods store in 1870 by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it went on to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer, followed by his son Arthur, later led the company. Arthur steered the company into a merger and expanded it into furniture sales. Sadly, Arthur’s life ended prematurely, casting a somber note on the family’s history.
The store’s impact even reached 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 changes the narrative surrounding their distribution and importance. It suggests a more widespread release than previously thought, shedding light on a department store that cleverly used the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box in which these cards were found, a 1930s metal relic, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken—from being a promotional tool in a local store to becoming coveted historical artifacts in the world of collectibles.
As the auction date approaches, these cards are sure to captivate the collecting community. They offer a rare glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting, and each card, with its faint pencil markings and signs of wear from handling, tells a unique story. Collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue the story as they become the new custodians of these invaluable pieces of baseball history.
