The fall event at Robert Edward Auctions is generating significant buzz among collectors and historians, thanks to a rare piece of baseball history featuring none other than Babe Ruth. While the well-known 1914 Baltimore News card often steals the spotlight, it is the scarcity of a 1921 Frederick Foto card that has captivated early bidders. As of Sunday evening, competitive bids have already pushed the card’s value to an impressive $110,000. With just six known cards from this series in existence, its rarity and vintage condition make it a highly sought-after item.
What makes the Frederick Foto card even more intriguing is its obscurity compared to the already scarce Baltimore News card. The 1921 series, including both major and minor league players, remains shrouded in mystery, with a confirmed checklist yet to be established. These unnumbered cards were issued by the Frederick Foto Service of Sacramento, California and were produced with questionable quality. The player photographs were simply glued onto cardboard, with the player’s name, team, and the Frederick Foto brand displayed on the front. The reverse side of these cards is blank. Inconsistencies in size and trimming create variations, often resulting in cards with unusually large borders.
Determining the precise dating of the series has been a topic of debate among collectors. While 1921 is widely accepted as the year of issue, there are differing opinions on the exact timing. Regardless, the significance of this particular card lies not only in its scarcity but also in its depiction of Babe Ruth in both a Red Sox and Yankees uniform.
The image on the card shows Ruth with the iconic ‘N.Y.’ insignia of the Yankees, but intriguingly, he is also seen wearing a Red Sox uniform. This detail adds to the card’s rarity as one of the earliest known depictions of Ruth associated with the Yankees. Additionally, the photograph itself is unique and cannot be found on any other card or in any other type of media. It stands as a singular representation of the legendary baseball figure.
The value of this card has seen remarkable appreciation over the years. In 2015, it was sold by REA for a mere $42,000, which seems like a fraction of the current bid. Its rarity, historical significance, and the singular photograph of Ruth have undoubtedly contributed to its increasing worth.
The auction for this extraordinary piece of baseball memorabilia will culminate on December 3. Collectors and historians are eagerly awaiting the outcome, as this rare slice of history is expected to fetch a remarkable price. The 1921 Frederick Foto card featuring Babe Ruth in both a Red Sox and Yankees uniform is a testament to his legendary status and a prized gem for any baseball enthusiast lucky enough to acquire it.
