In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a remarkable discovery has recently surfaced, shining a light on the fascinating history of early baseball cards. Hidden away in a seemingly unlikely place—a Band-Aid box—was a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine previously unknown cards that will now be unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, have long been regarded as some of the rarest and most sought-after in the world of baseball card collecting. Prior to this discovery, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This 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 extraordinary find. “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 behind this discovery is just as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were stumbled upon in a Band-Aid box—a simple container holding a small fortune in paper treasures. After four years of maintaining contact with the card owner, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. Each card has since been graded by PSA, and they will be auctioned off individually.
Among the collection is a card featuring the legendary Babe Ruth, making it only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and iconic status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to fetch a hefty price at the auction. Other Hall of Famers included in this newfound collection are Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice, further bolstering the significance of this find.
What makes these cards even more interesting is the information on the back. The cards advertise the Boy’s Fashion Shop, a retail store in Grand Rapids. The discovery of additional cards not originally listed in the checklist, such as 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, 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 discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. The post caught the attention of forum members, as well as Crisafulli himself, who reached out and stayed in touch until he secured the consignment for auction.
The backstory of the Herpolsheimer Company is as rich and varied as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt as a dry goods store, it grew into a prominent presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. The company was later led by Henry Herpolsheimer and his son Arthur, who oversaw a merger and expanded into furniture sales. Unfortunately, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also includes a connection to national history, as Betty Bloomer, who later became 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 has reshaped the narrative surrounding their distribution and significance, suggesting a more widespread release than previously thought. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly used the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box, a 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 coveted historical artifacts in the world of collectibles.
As the auction date draws near, 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 wear from handling, tells a unique story—one that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new guardians of these invaluable pieces of baseball history.
