The fall event at Robert Edward Auctions is set to conclude on December 3, but a remarkable piece of baseball history featuring Babe Ruth has already emerged as a highlight. This item is not the well-documented 1914 Baltimore News card, but rather a scarce 1921 Frederick Foto card depicting the legendary baseball figure. As of Sunday evening, early bids have already driven the card’s value to $110,000. With a grade of 2 from SGC, indicating its rare vintage condition, this card is one of just six known to exist from the past century.
Over the years, this particular card has seen a significant increase in value. In 2015, REA brokered its sale for $42,000, which is only a fraction of its current bid. What sets the Frederick Foto card apart, even more, is its obscurity compared to the already scarce Baltimore News card. The 1921 series, which included both major and minor league players, remains shrouded in mystery, with a complete checklist still unconfirmed. While the cards in the series are not numbered, it is estimated that there are over 100 cards in the set.
The Frederick Foto Service of Sacramento, California, is credited with issuing these cards, but unfortunately, they were not of the highest quality production. Player photographs were simply glued onto cardboard, with the player’s name, team, and the Frederick Foto brand displayed on the front. The reverse side of the cards is blank. The size of the cards generally aligns with tobacco cards from the era, but inconsistencies are common, likely due to crude production techniques or subsequent trimming. These variations often result in cards with disproportionately large white borders.
Determining the exact dating of the series has sparked debate among collectors, with 1921 being the widely accepted year of issue, although some disagree on the precise timing.
The Babe Ruth card from this series holds particular significance. Not only does it feature him with the iconic ‘N.Y.’ insignia of the Yankees, but intriguingly, it also depicts him in a Red Sox uniform. This detail adds to its rarity as one of the earliest cards showing Ruth associated with the Yankees, before his iconic tenure with the team began in 1920.
One unique attribute of this card is the photograph itself. REA has recognized that the image of Ruth on this specific card does not appear on any other card or in any other type of media. It stands as a singular representation of the baseball legend, making it even more sought after by collectors and historians alike.
The auction for this rare slice of baseball memorabilia will conclude on December 3, and it is already shaping up to be a noteworthy event. Collectors and historians are eagerly watching as the bids continue to rise for this exceptional Babe Ruth card from the 1921 Frederick Foto series.
