In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, an unexpected and exciting discovery has emerged—a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine cards previously unknown to collectors. Tucked away in a Band-Aid box, this astonishing find has now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event, casting a warm glow on the fascinating history of early baseball cards.
The Herpolsheimer cards, known for their rarity, have long been highly sought-after in the baseball card collecting world. Prior to this discovery, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. However, this recent find 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 many serious collectors who appreciate the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this find is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, the cards were discovered hidden inside a Band-Aid box—a simple container that held a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the owner for four years, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. Each card has been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
Among this treasure trove is a Babe Ruth card, only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a considerable price at auction. Other Hall of Famers featured in this newfound collection include Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, Sam Rice, and more, further enhancing its significance.
What makes these cards even more intriguing is the information provided on their backs. They advertise the Boy’s Fashion Shop of the Grand Rapids retail store, adding an interesting touch to their historical context. Additionally, the discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist has led to speculation that the set might be larger than previously believed. It is now thought that the set could comprise 78 or 79 cards, rather than the previously assumed 69 or 70.
Crisafulli’s awareness of these cards began in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. The post sparked interest among forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to ongoing communication and ultimately securing the cards for auction.
The backstory of the Herpolsheimer Company is as diverse as the cards themselves. Established in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, the company went on to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer and his son Arthur later took the reins of the store, expanding it into furniture sales through a merger. Unfortunately, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy even touched 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 adds a new chapter to their distribution and significance, suggesting a more widespread release than previously thought. It paints a vivid picture of a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box in which these cards were found, a relic from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken—from being a promotional tool in a local store to becoming coveted historical artifacts in the world of collectibles.
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, marked with faint pencil notations and wear from years of handling, tells a unique story. Collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue these stories as they become the new guardians of these precious pieces of baseball history.