In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, there are few discoveries as exciting as stumbling upon a hidden treasure. Recently, in a surprising turn of events, a collection of 39 rare 1921 Herpolsheimer baseball cards, including nine previously unknown cards, was found tucked away in an unsuspecting Band-Aid box. This remarkable find, hidden for nearly a century, has now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event, casting a warm glow on the fascinating history of early baseball cards.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, are widely 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 the PSA and SGC population reports. This recent discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also adds new faces to the mix.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, could hardly contain his excitement. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, echoing the sentiment of serious collectors who recognize the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story of how these cards came to light is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these hidden gems were uncovered inside a simple Band-Aid box, a humble container that held a small fortune in paper treasures. After four years of maintaining contact with the card owner, Crisafulli finally secured the collection for auction. Each card has since been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
Among the trove of cards is one featuring none other than the iconic Babe Ruth, making it only the second card of its kind known to exist. Given the rarity and legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a high price at auction. Other notable Hall of Famers, including Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice, can also be found in this newfound assemblage, further adding to its significance.
Notably, the backs of these cards are as fascinating as their fronts, serving as advertisements for the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop. The discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist, such as Dave Bancroft, Johnny Evers, Harry Hooper, Stuffy McInnis, Art Nehf, Wally Schang, George Sisler, Casey Stengel, and Fred Toney, suggests that the set is larger than previously thought. It hints at a potential collection of 78 or 79 cards rather than the initially believed 69 or 70, further enhancing the intrigue surrounding this find.
Crisafulli’s introduction to these cards came in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. The post sparked the curiosity of forum members and Crisafulli alike, leading to ongoing communication until the auction consignment was finally secured.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, the creators of these cards, is as rich and varied as the cards themselves. Established in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, the company grew to become a prominent presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer later took the reins, followed by his son Arthur, who guided the company through a merger and expanded its interests to include furniture sales. Tragically, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy even intersects with national history, as Betty Bloomer, who would later become First Lady as the wife of President Gerald R. Ford, worked at the Herpolsheimer Company as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The unearthing of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards reshapes our understanding of their distribution and significance, pointing to a wider release than previously imagined. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly tapped into the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box that sheltered these cards, a metal relic from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have embarked upon—from promotional tools for a local store to coveted historical artifacts in the realm of collectibles.
As the auction date draws near, these rare Herpolsheimer cards are poised to captivate the collecting community, offering a glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card, with its faint pencil markings and wear from decades of 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.