The gavel pounded emphatically at Robert Edward Auctions’ March Encore sale, signaling the start of a whirlwind of record-breaking bids and historic sales. Vintage card enthusiasts gathered virtually to witness the auction’s riveting spectacle as iconic cards sought new homes.
The star of the show was undoubtedly the illustrious 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey Babe Ruth card, captivating hearts and wallets alike with a staggering final bid of $32,400. This legendary card, graded PSA EX-NM 6, sparked fierce competition and set the tone for the evening’s remarkable achievements.
Not to be outdone, other luminaries from baseball’s golden era also commanded attention and top dollar. A 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb SGC POOR 1 and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back shattered previous records, fetching $28,000 and $27,600, respectively. These milestones underscored the unwavering allure and enduring value of vintage collectibles.
As the auction unfurled its treasures, a symphony of more than 3,300 lots danced across the virtual stage, eliciting gasps and cheers from bidders worldwide. The total of over $1.3 million in sales reverberated through the collector community, a testament to the enduring passion for baseball’s rich history encapsulated in these cherished artifacts.
Among the myriad highlights were modern classics, reminding us that vintage allure spans generations. A 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson PSA GEM MINT 10 swung for $30,000, while a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie PSA MINT 9 dribbled in at $25,200. The echoes of baseball legends past mingled with the modern clamor for iconic rookie cards, bridging the gulf between eras.
The auction also saw the emergence of hidden gems, resplendent in their rarity and historical significance. A 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner PSA GOOD 2 (MK) and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie SGC GOOD+ 2.5 each commanded prices of $14,400, enrapturing collectors with their storied provenance and timeless appeal.
Noteworthy rarities further enriched the auction’s tapestry, with once-in-a-lifetime finds capturing the imagination of enthusiasts. An Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson PSA EX-MT 6 emerged as prized possessions, fetching $10,800 and $8,100, respectively. These treasures stood as testaments to the enduring allure of vintage memorabilia, transcending mere collectibles to become cherished relics of a bygone era.
The auction’s success was not merely measured in dollars and cents but in the palpable excitement and fervor that permeated the virtual hall. Each bid, each sale, represented a nod to baseball’s storied past and a gesture of reverence for the legends who forged its legacy.
Brian Dwyer, the President of REA, reflected on the auction’s triumph with pride, noting that the vintage market’s resounding strength bodes well for the future. As the curtains closed on the March Encore sale, anticipation swirled for the upcoming Spring Catalog Auction, promising an encore of excitement and historic moments in the world of sports memorabilia. Vintage card aficionados everywhere eagerly await the next chapter in this captivating saga of baseball’s timeless treasures.
