In the vast world of sports memorabilia collecting, an extraordinary find has emerged—one that sheds new light on the captivating history of early baseball cards. Hidden away in a seemingly inconspicuous Band-Aid box, a treasure trove of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set has been unearthed, featuring nine previously unknown cards. These rare gems, kept secret for almost a century, have finally come to light in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The 1921 Herpolsheimer cards have long been revered as some of the most coveted items in the realm of baseball card collecting. Until now, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded by both PSA and SGC. This recent discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also introduces new faces into the fold.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, exudes excitement as he shares his fascination with these cards. His sentiments are echoed by serious collectors who recognize the rarity and historical significance of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The backstory of this amazing find is just as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were stumbled upon inside a Band-Aid box—a humble container that held a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the owner for four years, Crisafulli was finally able to secure these remarkable finds for auction. Each card has since been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
Among the stunning haul is a Babe Ruth card, marking only the second card of its kind to exist. Given the scarcity and the legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to fetch a high price at auction. The collection also includes other esteemed Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice, further enhancing its significance.
What makes these cards even more captivating are the details on their backs, which advertise the Boy’s Fashion Shop, a retail store in Grand Rapids. The discovery of additional cards not originally listed in the 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 believed, possibly consisting of 78 or 79 cards instead of the originally estimated 69 or 70.
Crisafulli’s first encounter with these cards came in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. Both forum members and Crisafulli were intrigued by the post, leading to their continued correspondence until the cards were finally consigned for auction.
The story of the Herpolsheimer Company adds another layer of depth to the narrative surrounding these cards. Established in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, the company grew to become a prominent presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. The company later passed through the hands of Henry Herpolsheimer and his son Arthur, who navigated the business through a merger and expanded into furniture sales. Tragically, Arthur’s life met a premature end, casting a somber shadow over the family’s history.
The store’s legacy is also intertwined with national history, as Betty Bloomer, who would later become First Lady as the wife of President Gerald R. Ford, worked as a fashion coordinator there in 1942.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards reshapes our understanding of their distribution and significance, suggesting a broader release than previously believed. It provides a glimpse into the strategic marketing efforts of a department store that utilized the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to captivate its customers.
The Band-Aid box that housed these cards—an artifact 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 world of collectibles, their story is one that captivates the imagination.
As the auction date approaches, these cards are poised to ignite the passion of the collecting community. They offer a rare opportunity to delve into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card, with its faint pencil markings and signs of wear from years of handling, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the chance to continue as they become the new custodians of these pieces of baseball history.
