In the exciting and diverse world of sports memorabilia collecting, a truly unexpected discovery has emerged, shedding light on the fascinating history of early baseball cards. Tucked away in a simple Band-Aid box, of all places, a remarkable find was made—a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine cards that had previously remained unknown to collectors. After nearly a century hidden from view, this extraordinary find has now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, have long held a reputation as some of the rarest in the world of baseball card collecting. Until now, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This recent discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also enriches it with new faces and previously unseen pieces of history.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, could hardly contain his excitement about this find. “I’ve been captivated by these cards for years,” he shared, reflecting a sentiment common among serious collectors who are fully aware of the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind the discovery is every bit as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were found tucked away inside an unassuming Band-Aid box—a simple container that concealed a small fortune in exquisite paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the owner of the cards for four years, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. Each card has since been professionally graded by PSA, and they will be auctioned off individually.
Among the items in this extraordinary find is a card featuring Babe Ruth, adding to the legend of the Great Bambino. This card is only the second of its kind known to exist, and given its scarcity and the legendary status of Ruth, it is expected to command a high price at auction. Additionally, 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 and appeal.
Noteworthy aspects of these cards are their informative backs, which showcase advertisements for the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop. The discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist, including names like Dave Bancroft, Johnny Evers, Harry Hooper, Stuffy McInnis, Art Nehf, Wally Schang, George Sisler, Casey Stengel, and Fred Toney, suggests that the set may be larger than previously believed, possibly consisting of 78 or 79 cards instead of the previously thought 69 or 70 cards that make up the complete set.
Crisafulli first became aware of the existence of these cards back in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. The post caught the attention of forum members and Crisafulli, who reached out and stayed in touch until securing the cards for auction.
The backstory of the Herpolsheimer Company itself is as rich and diverse as the cards they produced. Founded by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt as a dry goods store in 1870, it soon became a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. The company passed through the hands of Henry Herpolsheimer and later his son Arthur, who oversaw a merger and expanded the business into furniture sales. Tragically, Arthur’s life ended prematurely, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also intertwined with the national history when Betty Bloomer, who later became First Lady as the wife of President Gerald R. Ford, worked there as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards alters the narrative regarding their distribution and significance, suggesting a more widespread release than previously thought. 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 housed these cards, a 1930s metal relic, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken—from being a promotional tool in a local store to becoming highly sought-after historical artifacts in the world of collectibles.
As the auction date draws near, 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 signs of wear from being handled over the years, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new guardians of these priceless pieces of baseball history.
