The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is set to be a one-of-a-kind event for sports memorabilia enthusiasts. With over 1,950 lots up for grabs, collectors will have the opportunity to own a piece of sports history, with a particular focus on rare collectibles belonging to the legendary Babe Ruth. From cards and photos to autographs, this auction is a treasure trove for fans and collectors alike.
Babe Ruth, widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, continues to captivate fans even decades after his passing. The Winter Rarities Auction showcases some of his most sought-after memorabilia, allowing fans to get closer to the larger-than-life figure that was Babe Ruth.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Babe Ruth rookie-era postcard. This incredibly rare postcard, one of only two known examples, captures an image of Ruth at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative, this real photo postcard is a true gem for collectors, with a starting bid of $50,000.
Another exceptional piece in the auction is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” featuring Ruth. Only three of these cards are known to exist, and this particular card comes with a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on its reverse side. Graded PSA 2, this card has a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also presents a 1920 Babe Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour that he headlined after the regular season. With only three known examples of this card, it depicts Ruth in mid-swing, heading towards first base. Graded PSA 1.5, this card is a testament to Ruth’s enduring popularity.
While Babe Ruth takes center stage, the auction also features other notable items. High-grade 1930s Goudey cards, including Ruth and other baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman, are available. Some of these cards are the highest graded by PSA, making them even more desirable for collectors.
The auction extends beyond baseball cards, with a 1911 Turkey Red set break featuring legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie. This set includes ten cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA.
Collectors will also have the chance to acquire individual cards from the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, which includes Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie cards in top condition. A high-grade 1953 Topps set break offers PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, as well as PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
Autograph collectors are not left disappointed, as the auction includes eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards. Five of these cards have autographs graded PSA 10, covering different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career from 1953 to 1958.
But the auction isn’t limited to cards alone. Vintage unopened packs and boxes, such as the 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, provide collectors with a glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
Babe Ruth’s memorabilia takes the spotlight once more with a range of autographed items. A dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to his wife Claire, along with a note explaining its significance, is a highlight of the auction. 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 a unique opportunity for collectors and fans to own a part of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. With rare cards, photos, autographs, and other unique memorabilia up for bids, this auction celebrates the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event, as the auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th.
