In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a thrilling discovery has recently come to light, shedding new light on the captivating history of early baseball cards. Tucked away in a seemingly ordinary Band-Aid box, a remarkable find has emerged—a collection of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine cards that were previously unknown to enthusiasts of the hobby. After lying hidden for almost a century, this treasure trove has now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, which were issued in 1921, have long held a reputation as some of the rarest in the world of baseball card collecting. To date, only 105 cards from this set have been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This recent discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also enriches it with the introduction of new faces.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement. “I’ve been captivated by these cards for years,” he shared, reflecting a sentiment that is widely shared among serious collectors who are aware of 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, these cards were stumbled upon tucked away inside a Band-Aid box—a simple container that held a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the owner of the cards for four years, Crisafulli finally managed to secure this gem for auction. The cards have since been graded by PSA, and each one will be auctioned off individually.
Among the prizes within this collection is a card featuring the legendary Babe Ruth, making it only the second one of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and the iconic status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to fetch a high price at auction. Other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice also grace this newfound collection, adding to its significance and allure.
What makes these cards all the more interesting is the information found on the back. They advertise the Boy’s Fashion Shop of the Grand Rapids retail store. The discovery of additional cards that were not listed in the original checklist—featuring 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, possibly comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of the previously thought 69 or 70.
Crisafulli first became aware of these cards in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. The post generated curiosity among forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to their eventual connection and the eventual acquisition of the cards for auction.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, the creators of these cards, is as rich and varied as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it would go on to become a prominent figure in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer later took over the reins, followed by his son Arthur, who guided the company through a merger and an expansion into furniture sales. Tragically, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also intersected 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 alters the narrative of their distribution and significance, suggesting a broader release than previously believed. It offers a glimpse into a department store that cleverly used the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box where these cards were found, a relic from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken—from a promotional tool in a local store to coveted historical artifacts in the world of collectibles.
As the auction date draws near, these cards are poised to captivate the collecting community, providing a rare opportunity to delve into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card, with its faint pencil markings and the signs of 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 custodians of these pieces of baseball history.
