In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, an unexpected discovery has recently emerged, shining a warm light on the fascinating history of early baseball cards. It comes in the form of a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine cards that were previously unknown to collectors. These long-hidden treasures, found tucked away in a Band-Aid box, have now been unveiled and will be auctioned off in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, have long been considered some of the rarest and most sought-after baseball cards in the collecting world. Until this discovery, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. With the unveiling of these previously unknown cards, the known universe of Herpolsheimer cards expands, adding new faces to the collection.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement about this find. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, reflecting the sentiment shared by serious collectors who understand the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this incredible find is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, the cards were discovered hidden within an unassuming Band-Aid box, a humble container that held a small fortune in paper treasures. After four years of maintaining contact with the cards’ owner, Crisafulli finally secured this remarkable collection for auction. Each card has been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
Among the treasure trove of cards is a Babe Ruth card, only the second of its kind known to exist. Considering the scarcity and legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a high price at auction. Other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, Sam Rice also grace this newfound collection, further adding to its significance and allure.
What makes these cards even more intriguing is the content on their backs. Each card advertises the Boy’s Fashion Shop, a Grand Rapids retail store. The recent discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist, including players such as Dave Bancroft, Johnny Evers, Harry Hooper, Stuffy McInnis, Art Nehf, Wally Schang, George Sisler, Casey Stengel, and Fred Toney, suggests that the Herpolsheimer set may be larger than previously believed, potentially comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of the originally thought 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. This post sparked curiosity among forum members and caught Crisafulli’s attention, leading to ongoing communication until the cards were consigned for auction.
The backstory of the Herpolsheimer Company is as fascinating as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it became a prominent presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. The company was later led by Henry Herpolsheimer and his son Arthur, who steered it towards a merger and expanded into furniture sales. Unfortunately, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy even touched national history when Betty Bloomer, who later became First Lady as the wife of President Gerald R. Ford, worked there as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The revelation of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards reshapes the narrative around their distribution and significance, suggesting a more widespread release than previously known. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s most revered figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box that housed these cards, a metal relic from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken—from promotional tools 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, providing a rare glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card, with its faint pencil markings and signs of wear from years of handling, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the chance to continue as they become the new custodians of these precious pieces of baseball history.