In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, there is nothing quite like the thrill of an unexpected discovery. And that is exactly what has happened with the recent unveiling of a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set. What makes this find even more remarkable is that nine of these cards were previously unknown to the collecting community. Hidden away for nearly a century, these cards have now resurfaced and are up for auction in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards have long been considered some of the rarest and most sought-after in the baseball card collecting world. According to PSA and SGC population reports, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded. However, this recent discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards, but it also introduces new faces to the mix.
The auction director at Love of the Game, Al Crisafulli, couldn’t contain his excitement about this find. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, echoing the sentiment of serious collectors who understand the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this find is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, during an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, the cards were discovered tucked away 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 since been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
Among the incredible haul is a card featuring the legendary Babe Ruth, with only the second known card of its kind. Given the scarcity and the superstar status of the Great Bambino, this particular card alone is expected to fetch a hefty sum at auction. Additionally, other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, Sam Rice, and more grace this newfound collection, further enhancing its significance.
What makes these Herpolsheimer cards even more fascinating is the information found on the reverse side. Each card advertises the Boy’s Fashion Shop of the Grand Rapids retail store. The fact that additional cards not listed in the original checklist have been discovered – including names like 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 there may be 78 or 79 cards instead of the initially assumed total of 69 or 70 cards.
The story of how Crisafulli became aware of these cards is just as intriguing. In 2019, the owner discreetly made an inquiry on the Net54 sports card forum, catching the attention of forum members and Crisafulli himself. They remained in contact until the auction consignment was finally secured.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, the retailer behind these cards, is equally fascinating. Established as a dry goods store in 1870 by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, the company would go on to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer and his son Arthur later took over, with Arthur steering the company into a merger and expanding into furniture sales. Sadly, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s connection to national history is also notable. Betty Bloomer, who would later become First Lady as the wife of President Gerald R. Ford, worked at Herpolsheimer as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards reshapes the narrative surrounding their distribution and significance, indicating a more widespread release than previously assumed. 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 held these cards, a metal relic from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken – from promotional tools in a local store to coveted historical artifacts in the world of collectibles.
As the auction date approaches, these cards are set 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 wear from years of handling, tells a unique story – a story that collectors will soon have the chance to continue as they become the new guardians of these extraordinary pieces of baseball history.
