The fall event at Robert Edward Auctions is set to conclude on December 3, and already a rare piece of baseball history featuring Babe Ruth has caught the attention of collectors and historians. The highlight of the auction is 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 an impressive $110,000. The card, one of just six known to exist from the past century, holds a grade of 2 from SGC, indicating its rare vintage condition.
What sets this Frederick Foto card apart 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 still unconfirmed. These cards are not numbered, making it a challenge to determine a full set, although experts estimate that it comprises over 100 cards.
The Frederick Foto Service of Sacramento, California is credited with issuing these cards, which 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 the cards is blank. While their size generally matches tobacco cards from the era, inconsistencies are common, possibly due to crude production techniques or subsequent trimming. As a result, some cards have disproportionately large white borders.
The exact dating of the 1921 series has been a topic of debate among collectors, although 1921 is widely accepted as the year of issue. The Babe Ruth card is particularly noteworthy because it features him with the ‘N.Y.’ insignia of the Yankees, but intriguingly depicts him in a Red Sox uniform. This adds to its rarity as one of the earliest cards showing Ruth associated with the Yankees, marking the beginning of his iconic tenure with the team in 1920.
However, what truly makes this Babe Ruth card unique is the photograph itself. Robert Edward Auctions has recognized that this specific image of Ruth does not appear on any other card or in any other type of media, making it a singular representation of the baseball legend. This rarity adds to the card’s appeal and makes it a highly sought-after collectible.
The auction for this rare slice of baseball memorabilia will conclude on December 3. While the card has already reached a value of $110,000, it is expected to attract even more attention and potentially break records. Collectors and historians alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this noteworthy event, as it presents an opportunity to own a piece of baseball history and an iconic image of Babe Ruth in his early years.
