One of the hobby’s top collections of autographed baseball cards is coming to auction this fall, one that includes all but 16 of the 240 cards in the 1933 Goudey set.
Robert Edward Auctions announced Tuesday that it has acquired on consignment more than 300 signed cards, each authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, spanning the years 1887 to 1969. All cards within the collection will be presented individually as part of the company’s Fall Auction starting October 9.
“We are pleased to present this extraordinary collection at auction in what is sure to be one of the most impressive offerings of signed cards ever to hit the auction block,” said REA President Brian Dwyer.
The centerpiece of the consignment is the remarkable collection of 224 autographed 1933 Goudey cards. With 224 signed cards (out of 240 cards in a complete set), it represents an amazing feat.
“Putting into words how impressive this signed 1933 Goudey set is impossible,” said Dwyer. “Collectors toil for years attempting to complete this monumental set in unsigned form. To think that it is almost complete with signatures, especially given the star power of the set, is one of the most impressive hobby accomplishments I’ve ever witnessed.”
The star power of the 1933 Goudey set is legendary, with four Babe Ruth cards and two Lou Gehrig cards headlining the set along with more than 50 additional Hall of Famers, including Mel Ott, Jimmie Foxx, Hack Wilson, and others. The consigned collection of autographed cards includes three of the four Babe Ruth cards in the set and one Lou Gehrig. According to Dwyer, the signatures on these four cards are among the strongest in the group. “Our consignor had a very discerning eye, and where possible, chose very high-quality examples to add to his set.”
In addition to the Goudey set, the collection features a wide array of prewar signed cards, including the only signed Old Judge in existence (Hall of Famer Connie Mack), ten signed T206 cards (including Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker, with a PSA 10 signature grade), autographed Cracker Jacks, American Caramels, Play Balls, and more. Postwar cards are also well represented with a comprehensive collection of signed rookie cards, including 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays cards, boasting MINT 9 and GEM MINT 10 signatures.
Dwyer said that he expects this collection to turn heads when it’s showcased at REA’s booth during the National Sports Collectors Convention (#1425/1429).
“Interest in signed cards has increased dramatically within the last few years, and this collection presents a tremendous opportunity for collectors who are serious about this part of the hobby to add some extremely impressive and rarely seen cards to their collections.”
Additional highlights will be posted to the company’s website in the coming weeks, with a full preview available in early October. Free catalogs are available through the company’s website. REA is continuing to accept consignments for its Fall Auction until August 15.