The fall event at Robert Edward Auctions is drawing attention from collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike with a standout piece of memorabilia featuring none other than baseball legend Babe Ruth. This unique item up for auction is not the well-known 1914 Baltimore News card, but rather a scarce 1921 Frederick Foto card. With competitive early bids propelling its value to $110,000, this rare card has become a highlight of the auction well before its conclusion on December 3.
What sets the 1921 Frederick Foto card apart is not just its scarcity but also its obscurity when compared to the already rare Baltimore News card. The 1921 series, consisting of both major and minor league players, remains shrouded in mystery, making it difficult to confirm a complete checklist. The cards were not numbered, adding to the challenge of determining a full set, though it is estimated to include over 100 cards.
Issued by the Frederick Foto Service in Sacramento, California, these cards were not known for their high-quality production. Player photographs were simply glued onto cardboard, featuring the player’s name, team, and the Frederick Foto brand on the front. The reverse side of the cards is blank. While the size of the cards generally aligns with tobacco cards from the era, inconsistencies are common, likely due to crude production techniques or subsequent trimming. These variations often result in cards with disproportionately large white borders.
Debates among collectors regarding the exact dating of the series have been ongoing, with 1921 being widely accepted as the year of issue, although opinions differ regarding the precise timing.
The Babe Ruth card from the 1921 series is a standout in particular. Not only does it feature Ruth with the ‘N.Y.’ insignia of the Yankees, but it also depicts him in a Red Sox uniform— the team he played for before his iconic tenure with the Yankees, which began in 1920. This detail adds to the card’s rarity as one of the earliest cards showing Ruth associated with the Yankees.
What makes this Babe Ruth card truly unique is the photograph itself. Robert Edward Auctions has confirmed that this specific image of Ruth does not appear on any other card, nor is it found in any other type of media. It holds a significant place as a singular representation of the baseball legend.
This highly sought-after Babe Ruth card has seen a significant increase in value over the years. In 2015, it was sold by REA for $42,000, a mere fraction of its current bid. Collectors recognize its rarity and historical significance, contributing to its allure and value.
With the auction slated to conclude on December 3, this rare slice of baseball memorabilia is already shaping up to be a noteworthy event. Collectors and historians eagerly await the final outcome, as this extraordinary 1921 Frederick Foto Babe Ruth card captures their attention and fuels their passion for the game’s cherished history.
