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As the curtains rise on Memory Lane Inc.'s Winter Rarities Auction this December 21, a dazzling array of over 1,950 sports cards and memorabilia lots will be unveiled, headlined by an impressive collection of Babe Ruth treasures. This event presents a unique opportunity for collectors to immerse themselves in the rich history of baseball through some of its most iconic memorabilia.

The legendary Babe Ruth, revered not just for his unmatched prowess on the baseball field but also for his off-field charisma, continues to captivate the hearts of fans and collectors alike. Over seven decades after his passing, Ruth's legacy lives on, more potent than ever, in this auction, where several of his most rare and sought-after collectibles are up for bid.

One of the auction's crown jewels is a circa 1915 Ruth rookie-era postcard, a rare find authenticated and graded. As one of only two known examples, this postcard features an image of Ruth that does not appear on any trading card. Captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, it's a real photo postcard developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative. Starting with a minimum bid of $50,000, this item is a true collector's dream.

Another highlight is a 1920 promotional card for the movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Ruth. This card, featuring a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on its back, is one of only three known examples. Graded PSA 2, it comes with a minimum bid of $15,000, reflecting its rarity and historical significance.

Also included in the auction is a 1920 Ruth card that promotes a barnstorming tour Ruth led after the season. Like the "Headin' Home" card, this is also a rarity, with only three known examples. Graded PSA 1.5, the card captures Ruth completing a swing as he heads toward first base.

The auction isn't solely about Ruth. It also showcases other baseball legends through high-grade 1930s Goudey cards. Some of these cards, featuring stars like Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman, are the highest PSA grades known to exist.

For vintage set collectors, there's the 1911 Turkey Red set break, including 10 cards that are among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set break features baseball greats such as Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.

Additionally, collectors can bid on the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, including cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in excellent condition. The set also includes a high-grade 1953 Topps set break featuring PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, alongside PSA 6 examples of Mantle and Mays.

Mickey Mantle collectors will be excited about the eight autographed Mantle cards available, five of which boast autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span from 1953 to 1958, reflecting different stages of Mantle's career.

The auction also offers a glimpse into the past with vintage unopened packs and boxes from 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases.

Ruth's memorabilia in this auction includes an impressive collection of autographed items. A standout piece is a 1945 check dual-signed by Ruth, made out to his wife Claire, accompanied by an original note explaining its background. Other notable items include a signed 1923 $1 silver certificate, an album page signed by Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, and two autographed golf scorecards.

Memory Lane Inc.'s Winter Rarities Auction is more than just a sale; it's a celebration of baseball history, offering fans and collectors a chance to own a part of Babe Ruth's enduring legacy. From rare cards to autographed memorabilia, each item in this auction represents a fragment of the storied past of one of baseball's most legendary figures. As the auction unfolds from December 21 through January 13, it stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Babe Ruth and the enduring fascination with baseball's golden era.

via SportsCardPortal