The world of sports memorabilia is buzzing with excitement as Memory Lane Inc. prepares to host its Winter Rarities Auction. This extraordinary event will showcase over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia, with a special focus on rare collectibles from baseball legend Babe Ruth. Collectors and fans alike will have the unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history.
Babe Ruth, known for his larger-than-life persona on and off the field, continues to captivate fans and collectors even more than 70 years after his passing. His remarkable legacy is brought to life in this auction, where some of his most coveted memorabilia will be up for bids.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, which is one of only two known examples. This unique image, captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, features the young Ruth and is developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. The rarity of this real photo postcard is reflected in its starting bid of $50,000.
Another exceptional piece is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” in which Ruth starred. Only three of these cards are known to exist, and this particular card features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on its reverse. Graded PSA 2, it carries a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also includes a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour he headlined after the season. With only three known examples, this card shows Ruth in mid-swing, heading toward first base. It’s graded PSA 1.5.
Ruth’s presence in the auction extends beyond these unique cards. Several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth and other baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman are also available. Some of these cards are the highest PSA grades known to exist.
The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t just focus on Ruth; it also presents a 1911 Turkey Red set break, including 10 cards that rank among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set includes legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.
Additionally, collectors can vie for the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, which includes individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. A high-grade 1953 Topps set break features PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, along with PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
Autograph enthusiasts will be delighted to find eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards in the auction, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span years from 1953 to 1958, covering different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
But the Winter Rarities Auction isn’t limited to cards; it also features vintage unopened packs and boxes, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history of baseball card collecting. Highlights include 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases.
The auction’s collection of Babe Ruth memorabilia is truly remarkable, featuring a range of autographed items. One highlight is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to his wife Claire, along with a note explaining its significance. 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 an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a part of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, this auction presents pieces that hold immense historical value while embodying the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. As the auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th, it promises to be a truly memorable event for the world of sports memorabilia. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
In conclusion, the Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is a must-attend event for collectors. With over 1,950 lots of sports memorabilia, including rare Babe Ruth collectibles like cards, photos, and autographs, this auction is a dream come true for sports enthusiasts and history lovers alike.