Bidding is now open for Robert Edward Auctions’ annual spring auction event, which contains more than 1800 lots of extremely high-quality cards and memorabilia that collectors have come to expect as standard at REA. Some of the collecting world’s greatest treasures are featured within the auction, ranging from ultra high-grade cards to extreme rarities to one-of-a-kind memorabilia. The final day for bidding is Saturday, April 26.
Extraordinary Memorabilia Highlights
Among the many highlights, Robert Edward Auctions is especially excited to present the extraordinary 1874 Red Stockings Cigar Advertising Display Poster, considered by many to be “The Mona Lisa of Baseball Advertising Posters.” The poster (res. $100,000; est. open), which is being offered publicly for the first time ever, depicts Hall of Famer George Wright on the earliest American advertising poster known to exist that features the endorsement of a commercial product by a player or sporting figure. Also included in this blockbuster auction is the home run ball hit by Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. Long-considered one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, the ball (res. $100,000; est. open) is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Cincinnati Reds outfielder George Foster and presents bidders with the opportunity to own an exceptional and unique relic from this famous game.
Game-used memorabilia collectors will also take note that the auction includes one of the few original and unrepaired Mickey Mantle jerseys in existence. Mantle’s 1968 New York Yankees Game-Used Road Jersey (res. $50,000; est. open) is presented for the first time to the modern collecting community. The jersey originates from a former New York Yankees batboy by way of Yankees equipment manager Pete Sheehy in the early 1970s. Game-used bats are also represented by an extraordinary 1919-1922 Shoeless Joe Jackson Black Betsy Pro-Model Bat (res. $50,000; est. open). The bat, which has been graded GU8 by PSA/DNA, is the highest-graded Jackson bat from the period and is one of the finest of the very few Jackson bats in existence. Dating to an ideal time period that allows for the possibility that it was used by Jackson during the 1919 World Series, this bat will undoubtedly excite collectors of extremely rare world-class memorabilia.
Baseball Card Rarities From All Eras (1860s to 1970s)
Exceptional trading cards dating from the 1860s to the 1970s are presented throughout the auction. A stunning example of Babe Ruth’s 1916 rookie card (res. $25,000; est. $50,000++), featuring a desirable Globe Clothing reverse and graded PSA EX-MT 6, kicks off the card offerings, followed by an incredible 1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb graded PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 (res. $15,000; est. $50,000++) and a high-grade 1909-1911 T206 Eddie Plank graded PSA EX 5 (res. $25,000; est. open). An extremely impressive 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb with Ty Cobb back (res. $25,000; est. $50,000++) and a PSA NM 7 example of the 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie are also available for collectors interested in exceptional rarities. Four different 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards, highlighted by a stunning EX/NM example, offer collectors a chance to own one of the most recognizable cards in the hobby. In addition to the 1952 cards, fifteen ultra high-grade Mickey Mantle cards spanning the years 1953 to 1969 are available in the Internet Only section of the auction, highlighted by thirteen PSA MINT 9s, including 1953 Bowman Color, 1956 Topps, and 1958 Topps.
The World’s Finest T204 Ramly Collection
An astounding 1909 T204 Ramly Walter Johnson graded MINT (res. $10,000; est. open) highlights an unprecedented offering of high-grade T204 Ramly cards in this auction. A complete set of 121 cards has been broken up and is offered individually, with cards spanning a variety of grades, including eight GEM MINT examples and more than fifty others grading Near Mint or better. A second example of the legendary Walter Johnson card graded EX-MT (res. $5,000; est. $10,000/$20,000) is also featured.
Exceptional PSA-Graded Complete Sets
In addition to the many iconic single cards offered, a number of impressive complete PSA-graded sets are available, highlighted by a 1909-1911 T206 White Borders set (res. $25,000; est. $50,000++) featuring 518 of 524 cards, as well as complete sets of 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders (res. $2,500; est. $5,000+), 1951 Topps “Ringside” boxing (res. $5,000; est. $10,000+), 1959 Fleer “Three Stooges” (res. $10,000; est. open), 1961 Topps baseball (res. $5,000; est. $10,000+), and 1962 Fleer football (res. $2,500; est. $5,000+). Three additional high-grade sets have been broken up and are offered individually: 1959 Fleer “Three Stooges” (#4 PSA Set Registry, including 34 GEM MINT 10s), 1962 Topps “Mars Attacks” (#2 PSA Set Registry), and the All-Time Finest Ernie Banks player set, highlighted by an impressive 1954 Topps PSA MINT 9 rookie card (res. $5,000; est. $10,000/$15,000) and six different PSA GEM MINT 10 cards, including the only GEM MINT 1957 Topps in existence (res. $2,500; est. open). An extraordinary boxing-card collection is also on the block for the first time, with more than two-dozen top-ranked graded sets offered as individual lots, highlighted by an impressive complete set of 1911 T9 Turkey Red (res. $2,000; est. $4,000++).
Memorabilia
Memorabilia is well represented, with an incredible Brooklyn Dodgers collection presented in over one hundred lots. The collection spans from the earliest days of the franchise, highlighted by the 1889 application letter granting the club admission into the National League (res. $30,000; est. open) to items related to the glory days of the 1950s, highlighted by Billy Herman’s 1955 World Series ring (res. $5,000; est. open), Jackie Robinson’s 1956 game-used pants (res. $5,000; est. open), and three exceptional Roy Campanella handwritten scouting reports of Negro League players, including Larry Doby (res. $2,500; est. open). Numerous signed items from Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and other Hall of Famers appear throughout the auction, including a stunning Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig signed baseball PSA/DNA 8 (res. $10,000; est. $50,000+) and an incredible original-owner collection of signed baseballs presented in two dozen lots. Additionally, the auction features a wide array of Federal League and Negro League items and the unique dugout lineup cards from Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-tying 2,130th consecutive game (res. $2,500; est. open) and record-setting 2,131st consecutive game (res. $5,000; est. open). Sports other than baseball are also included and are highlighted by George Mikan’s personal NBA 50 Greatest Player’s lithograph (res. $20,000; est. open), Red Auerbach’s NBA Championship pendant (res. $1,000; est. open), and a selection of extremely early football and basketball programs dating from the 1870s to the 1890s.
Nonsport Card Rarities
A healthy selection of nonsport cards and related material is offered in the auction, highlighted by the only-known example of one of nonsport-card collecting’s legendary rarities: the R72 Strong Man card (res. $1,000; est. open). Authenticated by PSA and offered publicly for the first time, this card is sure to draw a lot of interest from collectors chasing one of the “holy grails.” One of the most extensive collections of “Mars Attacks” material ever assembled is also offered in its entirety, highlighted by an ultra high-grade complete PSA-graded set, the only known surviving wax pack, two rare display boxes, and several other pieces of unique production material. Numerous complete sets spanning the nineteenth century to the 1960s are available, as well as dozens of pieces of original card artwork from some of the hobby’s most popular sets, including “Battle,” “Civil War News,” “Horrors of War,” and “Mars Attacks.” An unparalleled offering of “Three Stooges” lobby cards and one-sheet movie posters, including an extremely early 1935 Uncivil Warriors poster (res. $5,000; est. open), is also available in more than three dozen lots.
To review the catalog online, learn more about Robert Edward Auctions, receive a complimentary copy of the catalog or inquire about consignments, visit www.RobertEdwardAuctions.com. Robert Edward Auctions is currently assembling its next sale. For further information, contact Robert Edward Auctions, PO Box 7256, Watchung, NJ 07069, or call (908) 226-9900.
Robert Edward Auctions, LLC is one of the world’s leading specialty auction houses, devoted exclusively to the sale of rare baseball cards, memorabilia, and Americana. The company is fresh off a very successful 2013, which featured a record-setting $10.2 million May auction, as well as the introduction of a second auction, held in October, which generated $3.1 million.
