In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a remarkable discovery has recently been made that sheds new light on the history of early baseball cards. Tucked away in a seemingly unexpected place—a Band-Aid box—39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set have come to light. This collection includes nine cards that were previously unknown to the hobby’s enthusiasts. After remaining hidden for nearly a century, this trove has been revealed in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, originally issued in 1921, have long been regarded as some of the rarest in the baseball card collecting world. Up until now, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This recent find not only expands the known universe of these cards but also introduces new faces to the mix.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, couldn’t contain his excitement about this discovery. “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 of this find is just as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were discovered tucked away inside a Band-Aid box—a simple container that concealed a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the owner of the cards for four years, Crisafulli was finally able to secure this amazing collection for auction. Each card has been graded by PSA and will be presented for individual bidding.
Included in this newfound collection is a card featuring Babe Ruth, making it only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and the legendary status of the Great Bambino, this particular card 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, Sam Rice, and more grace this extraordinary collection, further enhancing its significance.
One of the notable features of these cards is the interesting advertisement for the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop found on the backs. The discovery of 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—suggests that the set may be larger than previously thought, possibly comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of the initially believed 69 or 70 cards.
Crisafulli first became aware of these cards in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. This post caught the attention of forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to a continued conversation that resulted in the cards being consigned for auction.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, the creator of these elusive cards, is as rich and varied as the cards themselves. Initially founded as a dry goods store in 1870 by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it grew to become a major presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer later took over, followed by his son Arthur, who guided the company through a merger and expansion into furniture sales. Sadly, Arthur’s life was tragically cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy even touches national history, as Betty Bloomer, who would go on to 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 surrounding their distribution and significance, suggesting a more widespread release than previously believed. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s greatest personalities to captivate its clientele.
The Band-Aid box that housed these cards, a metal relic from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken. From being a promotional tool in a local store to becoming treasured historical artifacts in the collectibles world, their value and significance are undeniable.
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, with its faint pencil markings and signs of handling, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new custodians of these exceptional pieces of baseball history.
