In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, where enthusiasts eagerly seek out rare and valuable items, an unexpected discovery has recently emerged, shedding new light on the captivating history of early baseball cards. Tucked away in an unlikely place—a Band-Aid box—was a remarkable find: a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set. What makes this find even more remarkable is that it includes nine cards that were previously unknown to collectors. Hidden for almost a century, these rare gems have now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The 1921 Herpolsheimer cards have long been regarded as some of the rarest and most coveted in the world of baseball card collecting. With only 105 cards from this set authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports, this recent find not only expands the known universe of these cards but also adds new faces to the mix.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement about this remarkable discovery. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, a sentiment shared by 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, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were found hidden inside a humble Band-Aid box. A simple container that concealed a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the card 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 treasure trove is a card featuring the legendary Babe Ruth—only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and the status of the Great Bambino in baseball history, this card alone is expected to command a significant 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, further enhancing its significance.
What makes these cards even more fascinating is the information found on their backs. Each card bears an advertisement for the Boy’s Fashion Shop, a retail store in Grand Rapids. The fact that additional cards not listed in the original checklist—Dave Bancroft, Johnny Evers, Harry Hooper, Stuffy McInnis, Art Nehf, Wally Schang, George Sisler, Casey Stengel, and Fred Toney—were discovered suggests that the set may be larger than previously believed, potentially comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of the previously assumed 69 or 70.
Crisafulli first became aware of these cards in 2019 when the owner made a discreet inquiry on the Net54 sports card forum. This inquiry piqued the curiosity of both forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to ongoing discussions and eventually the consignment of the cards for auction.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, which issued these cards, is as rich and diverse as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, the company grew to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer and later his son Arthur took charge of the business, expanding it into furniture sales through a merger. Sadly, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy even extends into national history, as 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 wider release than previously thought. It paints a picture of a department store cleverly using the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box that housed these cards, a 1930s metal relic, 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 approaches, these cards are poised to captivate the collecting community, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card tells a unique story, with faint pencil markings and signs of wear from years of handling. Soon, collectors will have the opportunity to continue the story as they become the new guardians of these valuable pieces of baseball history.
