In a sensational find for baseball memorabilia enthusiasts, a collection of baseball cards with origins dating back over a century has been unearthed. The discovery was made by an individual in Northern California, who stumbled upon a tin box filled with an assortment of strip, caramel, and tobacco baseball cards. This remarkable collection, which consists of over 600 cards, offers a tangible link to the sport’s storied past and has created a buzz in the modern collecting hobby.
The journey of this extraordinary collection began with a phone call to Auction Monthly, a Granite Bay-based auction house, in late September. The caller informed the auction house about an old tin box filled with baseball cards that he wanted to sell. Little did he know that this chance encounter would unveil a treasure trove of baseball history. Inside the rusty Pedro Cut Plug Tobacco tin were carefully preserved strip, caramel, and tobacco baseball cards that dated back to the early 1900s.
The collection originally belonged to “Ed,” who was born in 1909 and spent his childhood in Oakland. Ed had a remarkable passion for baseball and his collection of cards remained a steadfast component of his life. Like many of his contemporaries who lived through the Great Depression, Ed never threw anything away. The tin, which was likely a gift from an uncle, became a cherished treasure chest throughout Ed’s childhood. After his father’s passing in 1994, Ed’s son rediscovered the tin in a closet, nearly three decades ago.
Now, after all these years, this exceptional collection has found its place in a modern hobby that still fuels fascination with baseball’s past.
Upon opening the tin, the owner was astounded to find a staggering array of more than 600 cards, all dating from the year 1926 or earlier. The cards showed signs of wear and tear, reflecting the age and affectionate handling of their previous owner. Strip cards, often carried in pockets, were torn or cut, evidence of their cherished status as prized possessions. Notably, Babe Ruth featured prominently in this collection, with no fewer than 20 cards depicting the legendary “Bambino.”
Among the highlights of this extraordinary find are a 1919-21 W514 Shoeless Joe Jackson card, a 1921 E220 National Caramel Babe Ruth card, a 1922 American Caramel E121 Babe Ruth card, cards representing nearly every player from the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal, several Ruth cards from the W514 series dating from 1919-1921, three 1920 W519 Ruth cards, a 1922 American Caramel E121 Ty Cobb card, a 1921 W516 Ty Cobb card, and a 1920 W519 George Sisler card. The collection spans several pre-War sets, including a wide selection of strip cards from 1919 to 1923 that reflect Ed’s childhood years, as well as a series of 1924-26 Zeenuts cards distributed on the West Coast.
The auction company, upon acquiring the collection, was stunned by the number of Ruth cards. This unexpected treasure highlighted the collection’s significance. The company immediately set about selecting the finest cards for grading, while others were sold in their original condition.
The discovery of this collection is more than just a transaction or an addition to a collector’s inventory. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring passion for baseball that transcends generations. Once a prized possession in the hands of a young boy, this collection symbolizes the timeless allure of the game and its heroes.
Each card, weathered at the edges not only by the passage of time but also by the eager fingers of a young fan, carries with it a story. It tells the tale of a boy who idolized figures like Ruth, Jackson, Cobb, and Sisler, and who could hold a piece of his heroes in his hands through these treasured cards. This sentiment resonates with collectors who value the emotional connection, nostalgia, and love of the game more than the cards’ monetary value.
As this collection enters the public sphere, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of baseball’s early legends. The excitement surrounding the unearthing of this cache of memorabilia is akin to finding a hidden gem that, once polished, casts a radiance on a bygone era of sports history. Whether collectors, historians, or baseball aficionados, the release of this century-old collection is a momentous event that connects tangible artifacts from the past with the present’s passion for collecting.
Each card from this remarkable find acts as a bridge across time, connecting the dots of baseball’s evolution. As the auction house processes the collection, every piece will find its way into the hands of those who appreciate not only their rarity but also the journey these cards have undergone. From the pockets of young baseball fans in the early 20th century to now occupying revered positions in the collections of modern enthusiasts, these cards embody the essence of America’s pastime—an enduring legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.
