
In the world of sports memorabilia collecting, a surprising and fascinating discovery has recently emerged. Tucked away in an unassuming Band-Aid box, a remarkable find has been made—a cache of 39 cards from the elusive 1921 Herpolsheimer set, including nine cards that were previously unknown to collectors. These cards, hidden for nearly a century, have now been unveiled in Love of the Game Auctions’ ongoing event.
The rarity of the Herpolsheimer cards, issued in 1921, has long been recognized by baseball card collectors. Only 105 cards from this set had been authenticated and graded across both PSA and SGC population reports. This recent find 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, couldn’t contain his excitement about the discovery. “I’ve been captivated by these for years,” he shared, reflecting the sentiment of serious collectors who are aware of the rarity and historical value of the Herpolsheimer issue.
The story behind this find is as intriguing as the cards themselves. In 2019, at an estate sale near Grand Rapids, Michigan, these cards were discovered nestled inside a Band-Aid box—a simple container that hid a small fortune in paper treasures. After maintaining contact with the card owner for four years, Crisafulli finally secured these gems for auction. Each card has since been graded by PSA and will be auctioned off individually.
One of the highlights in this collection is a card featuring Babe Ruth, which is 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 command a high price at auction. Other Hall of Famers such as Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Rabbit Maranville, John McGraw, Red Faber, and Sam Rice also grace this newfound collection, further adding to its significance.
What makes these cards even more interesting is what can be found on their backs. They advertise the Grand Rapids retail store’s Boy’s Fashion Shop, adding a unique element to their historical value. The additional cards not listed in the original checklist—Dave Bancroft, Johnny Evers, Harry Hooper, Stuffy McInnis, Art Nehf, Wally Schang, George Sisler, Casey Stengel, and Fred Toney—suggest that the set is larger than previously thought, possibly comprising 78 or 79 cards rather than the initially believed 69 or 70.
Crisafulli first heard about these cards in 2019 when the owner discreetly inquired about them on the Net54 sports card forum. The post intrigued both forum members and Crisafulli himself, leading to further communication until the auction consignment was secured.
The history of the Herpolsheimer Company, the retail store behind these cards, is just as intriguing as the cards themselves. Founded in 1870 by William Godlove Herpolsheimer and Charles G.A. Voigt as a dry goods store, it became a significant presence in Grand Rapids and beyond. Henry Herpolsheimer and his son Arthur later took over, expanding the store into furniture sales through a merger. Sadly, Arthur’s life was cut short, adding a somber note to the family’s history.
The store’s connection to national history extends even further; Betty Bloomer, who would later become First Lady as Gerald R. Ford’s wife, worked there as a fashion coordinator in 1942.
The discovery of this second batch of Herpolsheimer cards reshapes our understanding of their distribution and significance, suggesting that they were more widely released than previously believed. It paints a picture of a department store that cleverly utilized the allure of baseball’s most celebrated figures to attract customers.
The Band-Aid box that housed these cards, a metal relic from the 1930s, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey these cards have taken—from a promotional tool in a local store to highly sought-after historical artifacts in the world of collectibles.
As the auction date approaches, these cards are set to captivate the collecting community, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of baseball card collecting. Each card tells a unique story through its faint pencil markings and signs of wear from years of handling. Soon, collectors will have the opportunity to continue these stories as they become the new custodians of these pieces of baseball history.