In a surprising turn of events for baseball memorabilia enthusiasts, an extraordinary collection of century-old baseball cards has recently come to light, providing a tangible connection to the sport’s rich history. Found by an individual in Northern California, this remarkable discovery has sparked a newfound fascination among collectors.
The journey of this astounding collection began with a phone call made to Auction Monthly, an auction house based in Granite Bay, California, in September. The caller informed the auction house about an old tobacco tin filled with baseball cards that he wished to sell. Little did he know that this meeting would unveil a hidden treasure. Inside the rusty Pedro Cut Plug Tobacco tin lay an impeccably preserved assortment of strip, caramel, and tobacco baseball cards, dating back over a century.
The collection once belonged to “Ed,” who was born in 1909 and spent his childhood in Oakland before passing away in 1994. Ed’s unwavering passion for collecting baseball cards remained steadfast throughout his life. According to his son, Ed belonged to a generation that experienced the hardships of the Great Depression, which instilled in him an inherent tendency to hold onto everything. The tin, likely given to him as a gift from an uncle, became a prized possession during his childhood. It was later revealed to Ed’s son during his early years and then re-discovered in a closet after his father’s passing in 1994.
Nearly three decades since its rediscovery, this remarkable collection has found its way into a hobby that, although vastly different from the 1920s, still exudes the same captivating allure.
Within the tin, a jaw-dropping array of over 600 cards awaited discovery, all dating from 1926 or earlier. The cards’ condition spoke to their age and the love they received from the young hands that once held them, with strip cards often torn or cut, showing signs of being cherished possessions. Stealing the spotlight in this collection were no fewer than 20 cards featuring the legendary “Bambino” himself, Babe Ruth.
Some of the highlights from this awe-inspiring collection include a 1919-21 W514 Shoeless Joe Jackson card, a 1921 E220 National Caramel Ruth card, a 1922 American Caramel E121 Ruth card, cards representing nearly every player involved in the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal, several Ruth cards from the 1919-21 W514 series, three 1920 W519 Ruth cards, a 1922 American Caramel E121 Ty Cobb card, a 1921 W516 Ty Cobb card, and a 1920 W519 George Sisler card.
This collection encompasses a wide range of pre-War sets, featuring strip cards from 1919-1923 that reflect Ed’s childhood years, as well as several 1924-26 Zeenuts cards, a series distributed on the West Coast.
Upon acquiring the collection, the auction company was astonished by the number of Ruth cards, emphasizing the collection’s immense significance. They promptly embarked on the task of selecting the finest cards for grading, while others were sold in their original state.
For the world of baseball card collecting, this discovery holds much more than just transactional value; it serves as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted love for baseball that transcends generations. Once a source of pride for a young boy, the collection has journeyed through the decades, carefully contained in a tobacco tin, and now stands as a symbol of the timeless allure of the game and its esteemed heroes.
Each card, worn around the edges not only by the passage of time but also by the eager fingers of a passionate young fan, tells a unique story. It’s the story of a boy who idolized figures like Ruth, Jackson, Cobb, and Sisler, and through these cards, could hold a piece of his heroes in his hands. This sentiment resonates with collectors who appreciate the emotional connection, nostalgia, and genuine love for the game, rather than solely focusing on monetary value.
As this collection enters the public sphere, it serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy left behind by baseball’s early legends. The excitement surrounding the unearthing of this cache of memorabilia can be likened to finding a hidden gem that, once polished, casts a radiant light on a bygone era of sports history. Whether you’re a collector, historian, or simply a baseball enthusiast, the unveiling of this century-old collection is undoubtedly a momentous event, seamlessly connecting the tangible artifacts of the past with the unwavering passion for collecting in the present.
Each card from this extraordinary find acts as a bridge across time, connecting the dots of baseball’s evolution. As the auction house carefully processes the collection, each piece will ultimately find its way into the hands of those who deeply appreciate not only their rarity but also the incredible journey these cards have undertaken. From the pockets of young baseball fans in the early 20th century to revered positions in the collections of modern enthusiasts, these cards carry with them the very essence of America’s favorite pastime—a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire baseball fans of all ages.
