The fall event at Robert Edward Auctions is set to conclude on December 3, yet a rare piece of baseball history featuring Babe Ruth has already become a highlight. This particular item is not the well-documented 1914 Baltimore News card, but a scarce 1921 Frederick Foto card depicting the legendary baseball figure. As of Sunday evening, competitive early bids have propelled the card’s value to $110,000. This card is one of just six known to exist from the past century and holds a grade of 2 from SGC, indicating its rare vintage condition.

Over the years, this particular card has seen a significant increase in value. In 2015, it was sold through REA for $42,000, now a fraction of the current bid. What makes the Frederick Foto card even more exceptional is its obscurity compared to the already scarce Baltimore News card. The 1921 series, which included both major and minor league players, remains shrouded in mystery, with a complete checklist yet to be confirmed. The cards in this series are not numbered, making it challenging to determine a full set, although it is estimated to consist of over 100 cards.

The Frederick Foto Service of Sacramento, California, is credited with issuing these cards, which unfortunately were not known for their quality production. Player photographs were simply glued onto cardboard, displaying the player’s name, team, and the Frederick Foto brand on the front. The reverse side of these cards is blank. They generally have a size consistent with tobacco cards from the era, although inconsistencies are common, possibly due to crude production techniques or subsequent trimming. These variations often result in cards with disproportionately large white borders.

The exact dating of the series has been a topic of debate among collectors, with 1921 being the widely accepted year of issue, although some disagree on the precise timing.

The Babe Ruth card from this series is particularly noteworthy, not only because it features him with the ‘N.Y.’ insignia of the Yankees but also intriguingly depicts him in a Red Sox uniform. This detail adds to its rarity as one of the earliest cards showing Ruth associated with the Yankees. It is a unique attribute of this card that the photograph itself stands out. REA has recognized that this specific image of Ruth does not appear on any other card, nor can it be found in any other type of media, making it a singular representation of the baseball legend.

The auction for this rare slice of baseball memorabilia will wrap up on December 3, and it is already shaping up to be a noteworthy event for collectors and historians alike. The bids have already soared to $110,000, indicating the immense interest and excitement surrounding this rare Babe Ruth card. With its scarcity, unique image, and association with the Yankees and Red Sox, this piece holds significant historical and sentimental value for any baseball enthusiast. As the auction comes to a close, the final price for this exceptional piece of baseball history will surely make headlines.

Source