The Winter Rarities Auction hosted by Memory Lane Inc. is set to captivate the world of sports memorabilia with its spectacular showcase of over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia. The highlight of this event is the rare collectibles of baseball legend Babe Ruth, offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of baseball history.
Babe Ruth, known for his larger-than-life persona on and off the field, continues to enchant fans and collectors even 70 years after his passing. His enduring legacy, immortalized in the annals of baseball history, comes alive in this auction where some of his most coveted memorabilia will find new homes.
A standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples. This unique image, captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. The rarity of this real photo postcard is reflected in its starting bid of $50,000.
Another exceptional piece is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Ruth. Only three of these cards are known to exist, and one of them is up for auction. Graded PSA 2, it carries a minimum bid of $15,000. The reverse side of the card features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater.
The auction also includes a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by Ruth after the season. With only three known examples, this card is also considered scarce. It shows Ruth in mid-swing, heading towards first base, and is graded PSA 1.5.
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, making them truly exceptional collector’s items.
Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t just focus on Ruth; the auction includes a 1911 Turkey Red set break, featuring ten cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set boasts legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie, adding further intrigue for collectors.
Additionally, the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball is up for grabs, 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, representing some of the most sought-after cards in the hobby.
Autograph collectors will be delighted to find eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards in the auction, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span years from 1953 to 1958, covering different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
The auction isn’t limited to cards. It also offers vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases, providing collectors with a nostalgic glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
Ruth’s memorabilia in the auction is truly remarkable, featuring a range of autographed items. 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, the auction presents pieces that not only hold immense historical value but also embody the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. The auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th, promising to be a memorable event for the world of sports memorabilia.
In conclusion, 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. This extraordinary auction offers a chance to acquire cards, photos, and autographs that embody the rich history and legendary status of Babe Ruth in the world of baseball.
