In the realm of sports memorabilia collecting, a thrilling and unexpected discovery has come to light, shining a vibrant spotlight on the captivating history of early baseball cards. Housed within an unassuming Band-Aid box, an astounding find has emerged—a collection of 39 cards from the coveted 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine previously unknown cards that have remained undiscovered by the passionate enthusiasts of this hobby. After nearly a century of obscurity, this extraordinary trove has finally been unveiled and is now ready to be showcased in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, originally issued in 1921, have long held a revered status as some of the rarest treasures in the world of baseball card collecting. Until now, a mere 105 authenticated and graded cards from this set were known to exist across both the PSA and SGC population reports. This recent find not only expands the known universe of these cards, but it also introduces new faces and characters into the rich tapestry of baseball history.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game Auctions, could hardly contain his excitement. “These cards have captivated me for years,” he exclaimed, echoing the sentiments shared by serious collectors who recognize the scarcity and historical significance of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this remarkable find is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were discovered carefully nestled inside an unassuming Band-Aid box—a humble container that ingeniously concealed a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the owner of the cards for four years, Crisafulli finally succeeded in securing these priceless gems for auction. Each card has since been meticulously graded by PSA, and they will all be individually featured and auctioned off.
Among the incredible haul is a card depicting none other than the legendary Babe Ruth, only the second of its kind ever to surface. Given the rarity and the indelible reputation of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a substantial price at auction. Additionally, the newfound collection includes cards featuring other luminaries of the sport, such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice, further cementing the profound significance of this discovery.
Notably, the backs of these cards reveal a fascinating tale of their own. They serve as advertisements for the Boy’s Fashion Shop, a retail store located in Grand Rapids. The revelation 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, potentially comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of the initially assumed 69 or 70.
Crisafulli first became aware of the existence of these cards in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. This inquiry sparked the curiosity of both forum members and Crisafulli himself, ultimately leading to their reunion and setting the stage for the cards’ journey to secure their rightful place in an auction.
The backstory of the Herpolsheimer Company is as fascinating and diverse as the cards they produced. Established in 1870 as a simple dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it soon expanded to become a prominent presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer subsequently assumed leadership of the company, followed by his son Arthur, who steered it towards a merger and expanded its scope to include furniture sales. Unfortunately, Arthur’s life was tragically cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also intertwined with national history when 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 fundamentally alters the narrative surrounding their distribution and significance, indicating a more widespread release than previously thought. It paints a vivid picture of a department store that ingeniously used the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box that sheltered these cards, an artifact from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible journey these cards have undertaken—from promotional items for a local store to precious historical artifacts coveted by collectors around the world.
As the highly anticipated auction approaches, these cards are poised to captivate the collecting community, offering a rare and prized glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card, with its faint pencil markings and traces of wear from being cherished and handled over the years, weaves a unique and enthralling tale—a tale that collectors themselves will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new guardians of these precious pieces of baseball history.
