The sports memorabilia world is gearing up for an extraordinary event as Memory Lane Inc. prepares to host its highly anticipated Winter Rarities Auction. This auction, opening on December 21st, will showcase over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia, with a special focus on the rare collectibles of baseball legend Babe Ruth. For collectors and fans alike, this is a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history.
Babe Ruth, known for his larger-than-life persona, continues to captivate fans and collectors even more than 70 years after his passing. His legacy, deeply rooted in baseball history, will come alive in this auction through a selection of his most coveted memorabilia.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples. This rare image, captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, showcases Ruth and is developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. With a starting bid of $50,000, the rarity of this real photo postcard is clearly reflected.
Another exceptional piece is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Ruth. Only three of these cards are known to exist, and this particular one features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on the reverse. Graded PSA 2, this card has a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also presents a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by Ruth after the season. This card, with only three known examples, shows Ruth in mid-swing, heading toward first base. It carries a PSA 1.5 grade.
Ruth’s presence in the auction extends beyond these unique cards. There are several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth as well as other baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman. Some of these cards are even the highest PSA grades known to exist.
However, Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t solely focus on Ruth. The auction also includes a 1911 Turkey Red set break, featuring an impressive lineup of 10 cards that rank among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set boasts legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.
Additionally, the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball will be up for grabs, with individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. A high-grade 1953 Topps set break includes PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, along with PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
For autograph collectors, there will be eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards available, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span from 1953 to 1958, representing different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
The auction doesn’t stop at cards; it also features vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
Ruth’s memorabilia steals the spotlight in this auction, encompassing a range of autographed items that tell the story of his life. A notable highlight is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to his wife Claire, accompanied by a note explaining its significance. Other noteworthy 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. is truly an unprecedented opportunity for collectors and fans to own a piece of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, this auction offers not only immense historical value but also a chance to possess a tangible piece of one of baseball’s greatest icons. With bidding open until January 13th, this auction promises to be an unforgettable event for the world of sports memorabilia.
In summary, the Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is not to be missed for collectors and enthusiasts. Featuring over 1,950 lots of sports memorabilia, this event puts rare Babe Ruth collectibles, including cards, photos, and autographs, in the spotlight. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of baseball history.