65. Impossibly Rare 1916 “Small Block” Gimbels #9 Dave Bancroft (HOF) – SGC EX-NM 6
The Gimbels actionwear clothing store sponsored one of Felix Mendelsohn’s 200-player sets in 1916 and surviving singles with their ad back prove extremely scarce, if not unique. Our hobby knows one graded example for most players, including this exemplary EX/NM of Hall of Fame infielder Dave Bancroft. Gimbels cards with the “Small Block” are exponentially more rare; they represent the rarest of all the M101-4/5- related Mendelsohn backs. The Hall of Famer’s spinning follow-through from the left side ranks as one of this set’s most dynamic poses, accentuated by sharp print quality and clear alignment within its frame. Scarce M101-4 back variations for Cooperstown players are rarely seen outside advanced collections, making this an extremely desirable opportunity – this card is truly a miracle in this grade.
This SGC EX/NM 6 technical grade follows from its light corner touches, centering pushed southward, and otherwise superior visual impact. The small numbers in white appear on the original image, likely for cataloging purposes by its photographer. A wonderful combination of subject and scarcity, a higher-grade Hall of Famer from an impossibly rare issue, a “perfect storm” for advanced collectors. Truly an elite card.
MINIMUM BID: $5,000
66. 1914 Baltimore News Gus Gleichmann – SGC GOOD 2
This bright, oversized card features a scarce find from 1914’s Baltimore Orioles, the franchise best known as Babe Ruth’s last minor league stop before entering the majors with Boston. All singles from this set prove rarer than hen’s teeth, with just two encapsulated Gus Gleichmann examples known across combined PSA/SGC population reports! This clear and detailed pose does an excellent job highlighting that season’s uniform and Gus’s own focus on the upcoming play. Its SGC GOOD 2 technical grade reflects a mix of typical wear, with light haze on its reverse. Like many cards with a colored frame, corners and edges chipped easily. Its photo remains appealing and well-contrasted, satisfying any collector of this era or links to Ruth’s own history! While rarity drives a great deal of its value, this single also offers good presentation for the grade. Baltimore News sponsored this set to capture fan enthusiasm for the town’s existing International League franchise and a freshly minted 1914 Federal League team, the Terrapins. Serving two masters proved tough, as the Orioles left town after 1914 and the Federal League itself collapsed following 1915. Their detailed schedule
on this card’s reverse offers an invaluable reference for historians of that hopeful franchise and captures a moment in time for that star-crossed baseball city. Of course, the set is known for its key card, that of Babe Ruth, an acquisition that requires a seven-figure investment. A rising tide lifts all boats, of course, and the “commons” from this set are also in high demand, particularly among collectors hoping just to acquire a single card from the issue.
MINIMUM BID: $2,000
FALL 2025 PREMIER AUCTION − CLOSES NOVEMBER 29, 2025 43
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