In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a stunning and unexpected discovery has recently come to light, shedding new light on the early days of baseball card collecting. Hidden away for almost a century, a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set has been uncovered, including nine cards that have never been seen by collectors before. This remarkable find, stored in an unlikely Band-Aid box, has now been revealed and will be auctioned off as part of Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, have long held a reputation as some of the rarest and most sought-after cards in the baseball card collecting world. Prior to this discovery, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both the PSA and SGC population reports. This newly found trove not only expands the known number of these cards but also brings new faces into the mix.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, could hardly contain his excitement when discussing this find. “I’ve been captivated by these cards for years,” he shared, reflecting the sentiment felt by serious collectors who are aware of the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this incredible find is just as fascinating as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were stumbled upon, tucked away inside a Band-Aid box of all things. This unassuming container held within it a hidden treasure of paper artifacts worth a small fortune. After maintaining contact with the owner of the cards for four years, Crisafulli was finally able to secure them for auction. Each card has since been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
Among the cards in this collection is one featuring 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 fetch a substantial price at auction. Other Hall of Famers featured in this newfound collection include Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice, further adding to the significance of this discovery.
What makes these cards even more interesting is the information found on their backs. They advertise the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop, adding another layer to their historical value. The fact that additional cards, such as Dave Bancroft, Johnny Evers, Harry Hooper, Stuffy McInnis, Art Nehf, Wally Schang, George Sisler, Casey Stengel, and Fred Toney, were found but were not listed in the original checklist suggests that the set may be larger than previously believed, possibly consisting of 78 or 79 cards rather than the previously estimated 69 or 70 cards.
Crisafulli first became aware of these cards in 2019 when the owner made a discreet inquiry on the Net54 sports card forum. This post caught the attention of forum members and Crisafulli alike, leading to contact being established that would eventually result in the cards being consigned for auction.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, the store responsible for these cards, is just as diverse and intriguing. Founded by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt as a dry goods store in 1870, it went on to become a prominent presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Eventually, Henry Herpolsheimer assumed leadership, followed by his son Arthur, who would oversee the store’s expansion into furniture sales through a merger. Tragically, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy even weaves itself into national history, as it once employed Betty Bloomer, who would later become the First Lady as the wife of President Gerald R. Ford. In 1942, Betty worked at the store as a fashion coordinator, tying her own story to that of the Herpolsheimer Company.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards alters the narrative surrounding their distribution and significance, hinting at a wider release than previously believed. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly used the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box that sheltered these cards, a relic from the 1930s, serves as a powerful reminder of the journey these cards have taken. From a promotional tool within a local store to cherished artifacts within the world of collectibles, these cards have certainly seen their fair share of history.
As the auction date approaches, these cards are sure to capture the imagination of 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 being handled, presents a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new custodians of these important pieces of baseball history.
