In a remarkable discovery that has set the sports memorabilia collecting world ablaze, a collection of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set has been found. Stored in an inconspicuous Band-Aid box for nearly a century, these cards, including nine previously unknown ones, have now been unveiled for auction in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, considered some of the rarest in baseball card collecting, have long fascinated enthusiasts. Only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports prior to this find. This discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also introduces new faces to the mix.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, expressing a sentiment shared by serious collectors who understand the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer cards.
The story of this discovery is as fascinating as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were stumbled upon inside a Band-Aid box. A seemingly ordinary container turned out to be the hiding place for a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the card owner for four years, Crisafulli finally secured this extraordinary find for auction. Each card has since been graded by PSA and will be individually auctioned.
Among the impressive haul is a card featuring the legendary Babe Ruth, only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and the prominence of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a high price at auction. The newfound collection also showcases other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice, further heightening its significance.
Adding to the allure of these cards are their backsides, which advertise the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop. The discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist—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. It is now speculated to potentially comprise 78 or 79 cards, rather than the initially thought 69 or 70.
Crisafulli first became aware of these cards when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum in 2019. Both forum members and Crisafulli were instantly intrigued, leading to ongoing communication until the cards were secured for auction.
The story of the Herpolsheimer Company, the store behind these cards, is as diverse and fascinating as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it went on to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer eventually took over, followed by his son Arthur, who spearheaded a merger and expanded the business into furniture sales. Tragically, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber chapter to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also intersects with national history, as 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 reshapes our understanding of their distribution and significance, suggesting a more widespread release than initially thought. It paints a picture of a department store that cunningly employed the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to captivate its clientele.
The Band-Aid box in which these cards were found—a 1930s metal relic—serves as an evocative reminder of the journey these cards have taken. From being promotional tools in a local store to coveted historical artifacts in the world of collectibles, their story is nothing short of extraordinary.
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 wear from decades of handling, carries a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new guardians of these invaluable pieces of baseball history.
