The world of sports memorabilia is buzzing with excitement as Memory Lane Inc. gears up to host its Winter Rarities Auction. This highly anticipated event will feature over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia, with a special focus on the rare collectibles of baseball legend Babe Ruth. Collectors and fans alike will have the unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history.

Babe Ruth, known 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 etched in the annals of baseball, comes alive in this auction, where some of his most coveted memorabilia will be up for bids.

One of the standout items in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples. This rare real photo postcard captures a unique image of Ruth at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative, this postcard is a true gem for collectors and has a starting bid of $50,000.

Another exceptional piece is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” featuring Ruth. Only three of these promotional cards are known to exist, making it a highly sought-after item. Graded PSA 2, it features a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on its reverse and carries 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 only three known examples, this card is also considered scarce. It showcases 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. The auction includes several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth, as well as 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, further adding to their desirability.

However, Memory Lane Inc. doesn’t limit its offerings to Ruth alone. The auction also features a 1911 Turkey Red set break, including 10 cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set includes legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.

Additionally, collectors will have the chance to bid on the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball. This set includes individual cards of iconic players such as Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. A high-grade 1953 Topps set break is also available, featuring 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. These cards span years from 1953 to 1958, covering different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.

The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. isn’t limited to cards alone; it also features vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases. These nostalgic items offer a glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting and add to the allure of the auction.

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. presents 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 offers pieces that not only hold immense historical value but also embody the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. As the auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th, it promises to be a memorable event for the world of sports memorabilia.

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