In a remarkable turn of events, a Northern California individual has made an astonishing discovery—a collection of baseball cards dating back over a century. This find has excited baseball memorabilia enthusiasts and provided a tangible connection to the sport’s rich history. The collection, found in a rusted Pedro Cut Plug Tobacco tin, contains a trove of strip, caramel, and tobacco baseball cards.
The story behind this remarkable collection began with a simple phone call in late September. The owner contacted Auction Monthly, a Granite Bay-based auction house, with news of his desire to sell the old tin box filled with baseball cards. What followed was a meeting that would reveal an incredible piece of history. The tin, carefully preserved throughout the years, contains over 600 cards, all dating from 1926 or earlier.
The collection belonged to a man named Ed, born in 1909, who spent most of his childhood in Oakland. Ed passed away in 1994, but his passion for collecting baseball cards remained unwavering throughout his life. His son recounts how Ed, like many who endured the Great Depression, never threw anything away. The tobacco tin, presumably a gift from an uncle, became a cherished treasure chest in Ed’s childhood. After his father’s passing in 1994, Ed’s son rediscovered the tin in a closet.
Now, nearly three decades after its rediscovery, this extraordinary collection has found its way into the modern collecting hobby. The cards within the tin exhibit signs of aging and bear witness to the love and care of the young hands that once held them. Strip cards show signs of being torn, cut, and carried in pockets, serving as cherished possessions for their owners. Of particular note is the staggering presence of Babe Ruth, with no fewer than 20 cards featuring the legendary “Bambino.”
The collection boasts several highlights, including a 1919-21 W514 Shoeless Joe Jackson card, a 1921 E220 National Caramel Babe Ruth card, a 1922 American Caramel E121 Ruth card, and cards representing nearly every player from the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal. In addition, numerous Ruth cards from the W514 series dating from 1919-21 and three 1920 W519 Ruth cards were discovered. Notable cards featuring Ty Cobb, such as the 1922 American Caramel E121 card and the 1921 W516 card, add to the collection’s significance. A 1920 W519 George Sisler card also caught the attention of collectors.
The auction company, taken aback by the number of Ruth cards, quickly realized the immense value of this find. They carefully selected the finest cards for grading, while others were sold in their original state. For the collecting world, this discovery is more than just a transaction or an addition to inventory. It is a heartwarming testament to the enduring love for baseball that transcends generations. The collection, once a source of pride for a young boy, has now become a symbol of the timeless allure of the game and its heroes.
Every card in this remarkable find tells a story. Worn at the edges, not just by the passage of time but by the eager fingers of a passionate young fan, these cards hold a piece of their heroes in their hands. This emotional connection, the nostalgia, and the love for the game are what resonate with collectors. As this collection enters the public sphere, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of baseball’s early legends.
This cache of memorabilia is akin to finding a hidden gem, one that, once polished, shines a light on a bygone era of sports history. Collectors, historians, and baseball aficionados alike are exhilarated by the release of this century-old collection. It bridges the gap between the past and the present, connecting the dots of baseball’s evolution. As the auction house works through the collection, each card will find its way into the hands of those who appreciate not only their rarity but also the journey these cards have undergone. From the pocket of a young baseball fan in the early 20th century to a revered position in the collections of modern enthusiasts, these cards carry with them the essence of America’s pastime—a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.
