In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, there are few discoveries as thrilling as stumbling upon a hidden treasure. And that is exactly what has happened with the recent unveiling of a collection of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set. Tucked away in an unsuspecting Band-Aid box for nearly a century, these cards, including nine previously unknown to collectors, have now emerged for auction in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, have long been regarded as some of the rarest and most sought-after in the baseball card collecting world. Prior to this discovery, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This find not only expands the known universe of these cards but also adds new faces to the collection.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, echoing the sentiment among serious collectors who understand the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer cards.
The story behind this discovery is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, the cards were found nestled inside a humble Band-Aid box, a simple container that hid a small fortune in paper treasures. After four years of maintaining contact with the card owner, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. The cards have since been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
One of the most remarkable cards in this collection is a card featuring the legendary Babe Ruth, the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and the iconic status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to fetch a high price at auction. Other Hall of Famers, including Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice, also grace this newfound collection, further enhancing its significance.
The reverse sides of these cards are as fascinating as the front, as they advertise 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 rather than the previously assumed 69 or 70.
Crisafulli first became aware of these cards in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. The post sparked the interest of forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to ongoing communication until the cards were secured for auction.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, the creator of these cards, is as diverse and fascinating as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it soon became a prominent presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer later took over the business, followed by his son Arthur, who guided the company through a merger and expansion into furniture sales. Unfortunately, Arthur’s life was tragically cut short, further adding to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy even touched national history when Betty Bloomer, who would later become the 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 reshapes our understanding of their distribution and significance, pointing to a wider release than previously thought. It showcases a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to attract their clientele.
The Band-Aid box, a 1930s metal relic, in which these cards were found serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken—from a promotional tool in a local store to highly coveted historical artifacts in the world of collectibles.
As the auction date draws near, these cards are poised to captivate the collecting community, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card tells a unique story through its faint pencil markings and signs of wear from years of handling. Soon, collectors will have the opportunity to continue the story as they become the new custodians of these precious pieces of baseball history.
