The world of sports memorabilia is buzzing with excitement as Memory Lane Inc. prepares to host its Winter Rarities Auction. With over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia up for grabs, this event is set to showcase some of the rarest collectibles of baseball legend Babe Ruth, giving collectors a chance to own a piece of baseball history.
Babe Ruth, known for his larger-than-life persona both on and off the field, continues to captivate fans and collectors even more than 70 years after his passing. His legacy, deeply ingrained in the annals of baseball history, is brought to life in this auction through some of his most sought-after memorabilia.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples. This unique image, captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. This rare postcard is starting its bidding at $50,000, reflecting its scarcity and value.
Another exceptional piece up for auction is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” which starred Ruth. Only three of these cards are known to exist, and this particular card features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on its reverse side. Graded PSA 2, it carries a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also boasts a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by the baseball legend after the season. With only three known examples, this card shows Ruth captured mid-swing, heading towards first base. It has been graded PSA 1.5.
Ruth’s presence in the auction extends beyond these unique cards. Several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth and other baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman are also available. Some of these cards hold the highest PSA grades known to exist.
While Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t solely focus on Ruth, the auction features a 1911 Turkey Red set break, including 10 cards that rank among the highest ever graded by PSA. Legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie make up this incredible set.
In addition, the auction presents the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, with individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. A high-grade 1953 Topps set break is also available, including PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, as well as PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
Autograph collectors will be thrilled to find eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards in the auction, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. Spanning years from 1953 to 1958, these cards cover different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
But the Winter Rarities Auction isn’t limited to cards alone. It also offers vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, which provide a nostalgic glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
The memorabilia associated with Babe Ruth in this auction is truly remarkable, featuring a range of autographed items. A standout piece is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to Ruth’s wife Claire, accompanied by a note explaining its significance. Other notable items include a signed 1923 $1 silver certificate, an album page signed by Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, and two autographed golf scorecards.
The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a part of Babe Ruth’s legendary legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, this auction offers pieces that not only hold immense historical value but also embody the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. As the auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th, it promises to be a truly memorable event for the world of sports memorabilia.
In summary, the Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is a must-attend event for collectors. With over 1,950 lots of sports memorabilia, including rare Babe Ruth collectibles such as cards, photos, and autographs, this auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a tangible piece of baseball history.
