In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a remarkable discovery has recently been made, shedding new light on the history of early baseball cards. Tucked away in an unexpected place—a Band-Aid box—a trove of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set has emerged. What makes this find even more exciting is that nine of these cards were previously unknown to enthusiasts in the hobby. After being hidden for almost a century, these rare cards are now being unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The 1921 Herpolsheimer cards have always been highly coveted in the world of baseball card collecting due to their rarity. Up until now, the hobby’s enthusiasts were only aware of 105 authenticated and graded cards from this set, as verified by both PSA and SGC population reports. However, this recent discovery not only expands the known universe of these cards but also introduces new faces to the collection.
Al Crisafulli, the auction director at Love of the Game, could barely contain his excitement about this find. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, echoing the sentiments of serious collectors who understand the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this discovery is as fascinating as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were found hidden inside a Band-Aid box—a seemingly ordinary container that held a small fortune in precious paper. After maintaining contact with the card owner for four years, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. The cards have since been graded by PSA, and each one will be individually auctioned.
One of the standout cards in this collection is a Babe Ruth card, only the second of its kind known 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. Additionally, the newfound collection features other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, Sam Rice, and more, further enhancing its significance.
What makes these cards even more intriguing is the information found on their backs. They bear advertisements for the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop. The discovery of additional cards not listed in the original checklist, including players like Dave Bancroft, Johnny Evers, Harry Hooper, Stuffy McInnis, Art Nehf, Wally Schang, George Sisler, Casey Stengel, and Fred Toney, suggests that the set might be larger than previously thought. It is now believed to possibly comprise 78 or 79 cards, rather than the originally believed 69 or 70 cards in the complete set.
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 and Crisafulli himself, leading to communication that eventually resulted in securing the cards for auction.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, which produced these cards, 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, the company grew to become a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer later took over, followed by his son Arthur, who facilitated a merger and expanded the company into furniture sales. Unfortunately, Arthur’s life ended prematurely, casting a somber shadow on the family’s history.
The store’s legacy even extended into national history, as Betty Bloomer (later known as First Lady Betty Ford, the wife of President Gerald R. Ford) worked there as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards redefines their distribution and significance, hinting at a more widespread release than originally believed. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to appeal to their customers.
The Band-Aid box in which these cards were found, a relic from the 1930s, is a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken—from being a promotional tool in a local store to becoming prized historical artifacts in the realm 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 being handled, tells a unique story—a story that collectors will soon have the opportunity to continue as they become the new stewards of these valuable pieces of baseball history.
