The Winter Rarities Auction, hosted by Memory Lane Inc., is set to be an extraordinary event in the world of sports memorabilia. With over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia up for auction, this spectacle showcases rare collectibles of baseball legend Babe Ruth and will be a must-attend event for collectors.
Babe Ruth, famously known for his larger-than-life persona on and off the field, continues to captivate fans and collectors even more than 70 years after his passing. His legacy shines bright in this auction, where some of his most coveted memorabilia will go to the highest bidders.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples. This unique postcard features an image of Ruth at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. The rarity of this item is reflected in its starting bid of $50,000.
Another exceptional piece up for grabs is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Babe Ruth. This card, one of only three known to exist, showcases a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on its reverse side. Graded PSA 2, this card carries a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also includes a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by the baseball legend after the season. With only three known examples, this card shows Ruth in mid-swing, heading toward first base and is graded PSA 1.5.
Ruth’s presence in the auction expands beyond these unique cards. Several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth and other baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman are also available. Some of these cards are the highest PSA grades known to exist.
Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t solely focus on Babe Ruth; the auction also features a 1911 Turkey Red set break, including 10 cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set includes legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.
Additionally, the auction offers the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, with individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. A high-grade 1953 Topps set break includes PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, along with PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
Autograph collectors will find delight in the auction, as it features eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span years from 1953 to 1958, covering different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
But the Winter Rarities Auction isn’t just limited to cards. It also offers vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, providing a glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
Babe Ruth’s memorabilia steals the show in this auction, with a range of autographed items up for bid. A highlight is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to his wife Claire, along with a note explaining its significance. Other notable items include a signed 1923 $1 silver certificate, an album page signed by Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, and two autographed golf scorecards.
The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. offers an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a part of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, this auction presents pieces that not only hold immense historical value but also embody the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. As the auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th, it promises to be a memorable event for the world of sports memorabilia. Don’t miss your chance to bid on these extraordinary collectibles.
In summary, the Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is a must-attend event for collectors, featuring over 1,950 lots of sports memorabilia, with a special focus on rare Babe Ruth collectibles, including cards, photos, and autographs.
