In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a remarkable discovery has emerged that has cast a warm glow on the history of early baseball cards. Tucked away in an unexpected place, a Band-Aid box, a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set has been found, including nine previously unknown cards. This hidden treasure, hidden for nearly a century, has now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, have long been regarded as some of the rarest in the baseball card collecting world. Until now, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This recent find not only expands the known universe of these cards but also enriches it with new faces.
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, reflecting the sentiment shared by serious collectors who are aware of the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this find is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, the cards were discovered nestled inside a 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. They have since been graded by PSA, and each card will be auctioned off individually.
Among the collection is a card of baseball legend Babe Ruth, which is only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and the legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a high price at the auction. Other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice also grace this newfound collection, further bolstering its significance.
What makes these cards even more intriguing is the information found on the backs. They advertise the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop, providing a glimpse into a bygone era. The discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist suggests that the set is larger than previously thought, possibly comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of the previously believed 69 or 70 cards.
Crisafulli first learned of these cards in 2019 when the owner made a discreet inquiry on the Net54 sports card forum. The post caught the attention of forum members and Crisafulli, who reached out and stayed in touch until the cards were secured for auction.
The backstory of the Herpolsheimer Company is as rich and varied as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 as a dry goods store in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, the store became a significant presence in the local community and beyond. The company was later led by Henry Herpolsheimer and then by his son Arthur, who oversaw a merger and expansion into furniture sales. Sadly, Arthur’s life ended prematurely, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also intersects with national history, as Betty Bloomer, later known as First Lady Betty Ford, worked there as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards adds a new chapter to their distribution and significance, suggesting a broader release than previously believed. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly used the appeal of baseball’s most celebrated figures to attract its customers.
The Band-Aid box in which these cards were found, a metal relic from the 1930s, is a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken. From being a promotional tool in a local store to becoming 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 wear from handling, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the chance to continue as they become the new guardians of these pieces of baseball history.