In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a thrilling discovery has recently surfaced, shedding new light on the fascinating history of early baseball cards. Tucked away in an unexpected hiding place—a Band-Aid box—a remarkable find was made: a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine previously unknown to collectors. This treasure trove, which had remained hidden for nearly a century, has now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The 1921 Herpolsheimer cards have long been recognized as some of the rarest in the realm of baseball card collecting. Until now, only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This recent discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also enriches it with new faces and stories.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, could hardly contain his excitement. “I’ve been captivated by these cards for years,” he shared, echoing the sentiments of serious collectors who understand the rarity and historical significance of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story of this find is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were stumbled upon, nestled inside a seemingly ordinary Band-Aid box. This unassuming container concealed a small fortune in paper treasures. After four years of staying in touch with the card owner, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. They have since been graded by PSA, and each card will be individually auctioned.
Among the extraordinary collection is a card featuring Babe Ruth, only the second of its kind known to exist. Given the scarcity and legendary status of the Great Bambino, this card alone is expected to command a handsome price at auction. Other notable Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, Sam Rice, and many more grace this newfound collection, further amplifying its significance.
The reverse side of these cards is as captivating as the front, showcasing advertisements for the Grand Rapids retail store, Boy’s Fashion Shop. The discovery of additional cards not originally listed in the checklist—including 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 comprising 78 or 79 cards instead of the previously assumed complete set of 69 or 70.
Crisafulli’s introduction to these cards came in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. The post drew the curiosity of forum members and Crisafulli alike, leading to ongoing contact until the cards were finally consigned for auction.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company is as rich and diverse as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 as a dry goods store by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt, it went on to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Later, Henry Herpolsheimer took over, followed by his son Arthur, who guided the company through a merger and expansion into furniture sales. Sadly, Arthur’s life ended prematurely, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s legacy also intersects with national history when Betty Bloomer, later known as First Lady Betty Ford, worked there as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards reshapes the narrative surrounding their distribution and significance, revealing a more widespread release than previously thought. It paints a picture of a department store cleverly utilizing the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to its clientele.
The Band-Aid box in which these cards were found—a metal relic from the 1930s—serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have undertaken, 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 handling, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new guardians of these precious pieces of baseball history.
