In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, there are few discoveries as exciting as stumbling upon a hidden treasure. Such is the case with the recent find of a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine cards that were previously unknown to enthusiasts. Tucked away inside a humble Band-Aid box for nearly a century, these rare baseball cards have now been unveiled and will be auctioned off in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, have long been regarded as some of the rarest in the baseball card collecting world. Until now, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This remarkable find not only expands the known universe of these cards but also enriches it with new faces.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement about this discovery. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, echoing the sentiment of serious collectors who are well aware of the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind the finding of these cards is as intriguing 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 that held within it a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the owner for four years, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. They have since been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
One of the highlights among the collection is a card featuring the iconic Babe Ruth, with only the second known example in existence. Given the rarity and legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a high price at auction. Other notable Hall of Famers, such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice, further enhance the significance of this newfound collection.
What makes these cards even more remarkable is the information featured on their backs. They serve as advertisements for the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop. The discovery of additional cards not previously listed in the original checklist, such as 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 thought. It is now believed that the complete set may comprise 78 or 79 cards, rather than the 69 or 70 that were once believed.
Crisafulli first became aware of these cards in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. This post sparked the curiosity of forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to ongoing communication until the auction consignment was secured.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, which produced these unique cards, is as fascinating as the cards themselves. Established in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it grew to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer later took over the business, followed by his son Arthur, who expanded the company into furniture sales through a merger. Unfortunately, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber aspect to the family’s history.
The legacy of the store also extends to national history, as Betty Bloomer, who would later become the 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 has altered the narrative surrounding their distribution and significance, suggesting a more widespread release than previously believed. 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 relic made of metal from the 1930s—serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have undertaken. From being just a promotional tool in a local store to becoming coveted historical artifacts in the world of collectibles, the story behind these cards is one of intrigue and excitement.
As the auction date approaches, 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 handling, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new guardians of these remarkable pieces of baseball history.
