A treasure trove of early 20th-century strip cards, including multiple Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb cards, was discovered at a card shop in Loganville, Georgia, showcasing the unexpected finds still out there in the collectibles world.
A seemingly normal day at J&J Sports Cards/Got Baseball Cards took a turn into the extraordinary when a local resident walked in with a cigar box. This was no ordinary box; it contained a collection of about 600 strip cards from the 1920s, a rich piece of history carefully preserved through generations. The collection, a mix of sports and non-sports cards, was initially gathered by a young candy enthusiast of the era and offers a glimpse into the past's popular culture.
Joe Davis, the shop owner, was not present when the collection arrived but was quickly informed of the significant find. The collection was rich with historical figures, featuring 20 Babe Ruth cards, 15 Ty Cobb cards, and other sports legends like Walter Johnson and Rogers Hornsby. This find not only highlights the popularity of these athletes but also the wide appeal of strip cards during that time.
But the collection's depth didn't stop at baseball. It also included cards of boxing heavyweight Jack Dempsey, golf legend Walter Hagen, and tennis pioneer Bill Tilden, among others. The non-sports cards were equally fascinating, with representations of early film star Charlie Chaplin, pioneering aviator Charles Lindbergh, and several US presidents, broadening the collection's scope.
Strip cards, produced in long strips and meant to be cut apart, were a common way for children to collect their favorite icons. Despite their typically rough condition due to being made from paper stock and separated by eager young hands, these cards have maintained their charm and historical value.
The owner of the collection, seeking to maximize her return, turned to Davis and his team for their expertise. The team's strategy involved grading the more valuable cards through their grade to consign program, ensuring the collection's gems would be appreciated by new generations of collectors.
With the grading process underway, the anticipation builds for these cards to be listed for sale on the Got Baseball Cards eBay store and website. This remarkable discovery in Georgia highlights the enduring legacy and excitement of collecting, reminding us of the treasures still hidden, waiting to be found.