In a surprising twist of fate, a hidden treasure trove of rare baseball cards has made its way to the auction block, shedding new light on the rich history of early card collecting. Discovered tucked away in a Band-Aid box, 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set have emerged, including nine previously unknown cards. After remaining hidden for nearly a century, this remarkable find has been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, initially issued in 1921, have long been considered some of the rarest in the realm 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 discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also brings to light new faces from the past.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, could hardly contain his excitement. “I’ve been captivated by these cards for years,” he shared, echoing the sentiments of serious collectors who recognize the rarity and historical significance of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this find is as fascinating as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were stumbled upon in a seemingly inconspicuous Band-Aid box—a humble container that concealed a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the owner for four years, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction, and they have since been authenticated and graded by PSA. Each card will be individually auctioned off, captivating bidders across the collecting community.
Among this newfound stash is a card featuring the iconic Babe Ruth, making it only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and legendary status of the Great Bambino, this particular card is expected to command a hefty price at auction. Additionally, other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice grace this newly discovered collection, further heightening its allure and significance.
Notably, the backs of these cards are as intriguing as their fronts, showcasing advertisements for the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop. The unearthing of additional cards not listed in the original checklist—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, possibly comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of 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. This inquiry piqued the curiosity of forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to ongoing communication and eventually securing the cards for auction.
The story behind the Herpolsheimer Company, the issuer of these cards, is as diverse and fascinating as the cards themselves. Initially established as a dry goods store in 1870 by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, the company grew to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Leadership was passed down through the generations, with Henry Herpolsheimer and his son Arthur at the helm. Under Arthur’s guidance, the company expanded into furniture sales and underwent a merger. Sadly, Arthur’s life was cut short, casting a somber shadow over the family’s history.
The legacy of the store also entwined with national history when Betty Bloomer, later known as First Lady Betty Ford, worked there as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The recent discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards reshapes the narrative around their distribution and significance, suggesting a broader release than previously understood. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The metal Band-Aid box where these cards were found, a 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 approaches, these cards are poised to captivate the collecting community, offering 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 opportunity to continue as they become the new custodians of these invaluable pieces of baseball history.