The world of sports memorabilia is buzzing with excitement as Memory Lane Inc. prepares to host its highly anticipated Winter Rarities Auction. This extravaganza will showcase an impressive collection of over 1,950 lots, featuring a variety of sports cards and memorabilia. The spotlight, however, will undoubtedly be on the rare collectibles of baseball legend Babe Ruth. Collectors and fans alike will have the extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of baseball history.
Babe Ruth, renowned for his larger-than-life persona both on and off the field, continues to captivate enthusiasts more than 70 years after his passing. His legacy, firmly established in the annals of baseball history, is set to come alive in this exciting auction. Some of his most sought-after memorabilia will be up for grabs, promising a thrilling bidding war.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard. This unique piece, one of only two known examples, features an image of Ruth captured during the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative, this real photo postcard is a rare find, with a starting bid of $50,000.
Another exceptional piece is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Babe Ruth. Only three of these cards are known to exist, with a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on the reverse side. Graded PSA 2, this card demands a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also boasts a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by the baseball legend after the season. With just three known examples, this card showcases Ruth in mid-swing, heading towards first base. Graded PSA 1.5, it is a rare and desirable collectible.
Ruth’s presence in the auction extends 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, adding to their allure.
Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t solely focus on Ruth; the auction includes a 1911 Turkey Red set break. This set features ten cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA, with iconic names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie taking center stage.
The 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball is also up for grabs, with individual cards featuring the likes of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. Additionally, 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.
For autograph collectors, the auction offers a delightful selection of eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards. Five of these cards have autographs graded PSA 10, spanning years from 1953 to 1958 and showcasing different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
The Winter Rarities Auction is not limited to cards alone. Vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, are also featured, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
However, the highlight of the auction remains Ruth’s memorabilia, which features a range of autographed items. A notable highlight is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to his wife Claire, accompanied by a note explaining its significance. Other remarkable pieces 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. presents an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and fans to own a piece of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, this auction showcases items that hold immense historical value and embody the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. With bidding opening on December 21st and running through January 13th, this event promises to be a memorable occasion within the world of sports memorabilia.
In summary, the Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is a must-see event for collectors, presenting over 1,950 lots of sports memorabilia. With a special focus on rare Babe Ruth collectibles, including cards, photos, and autographs, this auction offers both historical significance and a chance to own a piece of baseball history.
