The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is set to be an extraordinary event in the world of sports memorabilia. With over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia up for grabs, this auction is headlined by rare collectibles of baseball legend Babe Ruth. Whether you’re a collector or a fan, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Babe Ruth, known for his larger-than-life persona, continues to captivate fans and collectors even over 70 years after his passing. His legacy in the world of baseball is unparalleled, and this auction brings his story to life through some of his most sought-after memorabilia.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard. This postcard is one of only two known examples and features a unique image captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative, its rarity is evident in its starting bid of $50,000.
Another exceptional piece is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Babe Ruth himself. Only three of these cards are known to exist, and this particular card features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on the reverse side. Graded PSA 2, it carries a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also includes a rare 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour he headlined after the season. With only three known examples, this card shows Ruth in mid-swing, heading towards first base. It has been graded PSA 1.5, adding to its desirability.
But the presence of Ruth in this auction doesn’t stop there. Several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth and other baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman are also available. Some of these cards are even the highest PSA grades known to exist.
Memory Lane Inc. has not just focused on Ruth; this auction also features a 1911 Turkey Red set break. This set includes 10 cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA and includes legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.
Additionally, the auction offers the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, with individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. A high-grade 1953 Topps set break includes PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, along with PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
Autograph collectors will be delighted to find eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards in the auction, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span years from 1953 to 1958, covering different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
The auction isn’t limited to cards either. Vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, offer a glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
Babe Ruth’s memorabilia truly steals the show in this auction, featuring a range of autographed items. A highlight is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to his wife Claire, along with a note explaining its significance. Other notable items include a signed 1923 $1 silver certificate, an album page signed by Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, and two autographed golf scorecards.
The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. offers an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a piece of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, this auction holds items of immense historical value that embody the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. Don’t miss out as the auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th. It promises to be a memorable event for the world of sports memorabilia.
