In a remarkable find for baseball memorabilia enthusiasts, a collection of century-old baseball cards has recently surfaced, providing a tangible link to the storied past of the sport. Discovered by an individual in Northern California, this collection has captured the attention of collectors and historians alike, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of baseball from over a hundred years ago.
The journey of this extraordinary collection began with a simple phone call to Auction Monthly, an auction house based in Granite Bay, California, in late September. The owner of the cards reached out, revealing news of an old tobacco tin filled with baseball cards that he wished to sell. Little did he know that this meeting would uncover a treasure trove of baseball history.
Nestled within a rusty tin labeled Pedro Cut Plug Tobacco, the collection consisted of carefully preserved strip, caramel, and tobacco baseball cards, dating back to over a century ago. These cards were collected by a man named “Ed,” who was born in 1909 and spent his childhood in Oakland. Ed’s unwavering attachment to his baseball card collection persisted throughout his life. His son, recounting his father’s story, mentioned that Ed belonged to a generation that experienced the hardships of the Great Depression and, as a result, never threw anything away. The tin, likely a gift from an uncle, became a cherished treasure chest for Ed during his childhood. It was revealed to his son when he was young and rediscovered in a closet after Ed’s passing in 1994.
Now, almost three decades since its rediscovery, this remarkable collection has found its way into the modern-day collecting hobby, bridging the gap between the past and present.
The tin contained an astounding array of more than 600 cards, all dating from 1926 or earlier. The cards displayed their age and the affectionate touch of the young hands that once held them—strip cards, often torn or cut, showing signs of being treasured possessions carried in pockets. Among the collection, the presence of the legendary Babe Ruth was particularly prominent, with no fewer than 20 cards depicting the iconic “Bambino.”
The collection boasted many highlights, including a rare 1919-21 W514 Shoeless Joe Jackson card, a 1921 E220 National Caramel Ruth card, and a 1922 American Caramel E121 Ruth card. Additionally, many cards related to the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal were part of the collection. Other notable cards included multiple W514 series Ruth cards dating from 1919-21, 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 spanned various pre-war sets, encompassing a diverse selection of strip cards from 1919 to 1923, reflecting the years of Ed’s childhood. Additionally, it included several 1924-26 Zeenuts cards, a series that was distributed on the west coast.
Upon acquiring the collection, the auction house was amazed by the number of Ruth cards it contained, a significant find that underscored the collection’s importance. The company promptly set about selecting the finest cards for grading, while others were sold in their original condition.
For the world of baseball card collectors, this discovery is not merely a transaction or an addition to their inventory—it is a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted love for baseball that transcends generations. Once a source of pride for a young boy, this collection, preserved in a tobacco tin for decades, now stands as a symbol of the timeless allure of the game and its beloved heroes.
Each card, worn at the edges not only by time but by the eager fingers of a devoted fan, tells a story. It is the story of a boy who idolized figures like Ruth, Jackson, Cobb, and Sisler, finding solace and inspiration in these cards that allowed him to hold a piece of his heroes in his hands. This narrative resonates with countless collectors who cherish the emotional connection, nostalgia, and love for the game that these cards represent, rather than focusing solely on their monetary value.
As this collection becomes a part of the public sphere, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of baseball’s early legends. The excitement of unearthing such an impressive cache of memorabilia is akin to stumbling upon a hidden gem that, once polished, illuminates a bygone era of sports history. For collectors, historians, and baseball aficionados alike, the release of this century-old collection is a momentous event, connecting tangible artifacts from the past with the contemporary passion for collecting.
Each card from this extraordinary find acts as a bridge across time, linking the dots of baseball’s evolution. As the auction house carefully processes the collection, each piece will find its way into the hands of those who appreciate not only its rarity but also the remarkable journey these cards have undergone. From the pocket of a young baseball fan in the early 20th century to a cherished position in the collections of modern-day enthusiasts, these cards carry with them the essence of America’s favorite pastime—a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.
