The sports memorabilia world is buzzing with excitement as Memory Lane Inc. prepares to host its highly anticipated Winter Rarities Auction. This incredible event will showcase over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia, with the spotlight shining brightly on the rare collectibles of baseball legend Babe Ruth. From December 21st to January 13th, collectors will have the unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history.
Babe Ruth, forever engrained in the hearts of fans as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, continues to captivate the imaginations of collectors even over 70 years after his passing. His larger-than-life persona both on and off the field has left an indelible mark on the sport. Now, in this remarkable auction, some of his most coveted memorabilia will be up for bids.
One standout item in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples. This rare gem features a unique image captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. With a starting bid of $50,000, this real photo postcard truly embodies the essence of Babe Ruth’s early career.
Another exceptional piece showcased in the auction is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring none other than Babe Ruth himself. Only three of these promotional cards are known to exist, making it an incredibly rare find. Graded PSA 2, this card features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on its reverse side and carries a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction doesn’t stop at cards. It also features a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by the legendary player after the season. With just three known examples, this card depicts Ruth in mid-swing, heading towards first base, and has been graded PSA 1.5.
Ruth’s presence extends beyond these unique cards. The auction also includes several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth and other baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman. Some of these cards are the highest PSA grades known to exist, adding to their desirability.
However, Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t solely focus on Ruth. The auction also highlights a 1911 Turkey Red set break, featuring 10 cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set includes iconic names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie, making it a treasure trove for collectors.
Additionally, collectors will have the opportunity to bid on the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, featuring individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. The auction also presents a high-grade 1953 Topps set break, which includes PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, along with PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.
Autograph enthusiasts will be delighted to find eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards in the auction, five of which have autographs graded PSA 10. Spanning years from 1953 to 1958, these cards provide a glimpse into different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. isn’t limited to cards alone. It also offers vintage unopened packs and boxes, such as the 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases that provide a nostalgic trip down memory lane for baseball card collectors.
The real gem of the auction, however, lies in Babe Ruth’s memorabilia. Ranging from autographed items to personal artifacts, these pieces offer a more intimate connection to the baseball legend. A highlight is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to Ruth’s wife Claire, accompanied by a note explaining its significance. Other notable items include a signed 1923 $1 silver certificate, an album page autographed by Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, and even two autographed golf scorecards.
The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a piece of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. With its wide array of rare cards, autographs, and unique memorabilia, the auction holds immense historical value and truly embodies the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. As the highly anticipated auction opens this December and runs through January 13th, it promises to be an extraordinary event that will undoubtedly create lasting memories in the world of sports memorabilia.
In summary, the Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. is a must-attend event for collectors, offering over 1,950 lots of sports memorabilia. With a special focus on rare Babe Ruth collectibles, including cards, photos, and autographs, this auction is a dream come true for any baseball enthusiast or collector.
