Memory Lane’s Own It Now Sale Tallies $620K

Iconic cards from the 1930s led the way in Memory Lane’s recently completed "I Own it Now" catalog sale, topped by one of just nine PSA 9 copies of the 1933 Goudey Napoleon Lajoie.

The Lajoie card was one of the big ticket items offered by the southern California-based company. Considered one of collecting’s rare gems, it wasn’t originally available to kids piecing together the 1933 Goudey set. Crafty bosses at Goudey created the scarcity in hopes kids would buy more packs to find the "missing No. 106." They did, but Goudey also might have underestimated the dogged nature of their customers. So many asked where card No. 106 was that Goudey made a Lajoie in the 1934 style after the season and sent them out to those who asked.

PSA has graded more than 62,000 1933 Goudey cards, but only 79 Lajoies – with only 17 of those ranking 8 or better. The card sold for an undisclosed six-figure price.

In all, sales totaled more than $626,000, and the number of lots sold – 350 – set a record for the "I Own it Now" event.

Among the other lots finding new homes via purchase or offer were a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth No. 149 and a 1933 Goudey Sport Kings Ruth graded NM-MT+, as well as a 1933 Goudey No. 92 Lou Gehrig.

Twenty lots brought at least $5,000 each including:
• Massive Golf Autographed Framed Display with more than 460 autographs, PSA/DNA LOA
• 1909 T204 Ramly Cigarettes Walter Johnson SGC 80 EX-NM 6
• 1909-11 T206 Piedmont White Border Rube Waddell Throwing 150 Subjects Factory No.25 PSA 8 NM-MT
• Group of (37) Different 1941 Play Ball, all cards PSA Graded
• 1948 Bowman No. 36 Stan Musial Rookie SGC 96 MINT 9
• 1949 Bowman No. 224 Leroy "Satchell" Paige Rookie SGC 96 MINT 9
• 1950 Bowman No. 98 Ted Williams PSA 9 MINT
• 1954 Topps No. 201 Al Kaline Rookie SGC 96 MINT
• 1954 Topps No. 94 Ernie Banks Rookie SGC 96 MINT 9
• 1968 O-Pee-Chee No. 177 Nolan Ryan Rookie BVG 9.5 GEM MINT
• 1951 Parkhurst No. 66 Gordie Howe Rookie PSA 8.5 NM-MT+
• 1951 Parkhurst No. 4 Maurice Richard Rookie PSA 8 NM-MT
• 1953 Topps No. 82 Mickey Mantle PSA 8 NM-MT
• 1953 Topps No. 244 Willie Mays PSA 8 NM-MT
• 1953 Bowman Color No. 153 Whitey Ford PSA 8 NM-MT
• 1952 Bowman Large No. 30 Sammy Baugh PSA 9 MINT

Memory Lane is still taking consignments for its upcoming Spring Catalog Auction with hundreds of items set to go on the block but the deadline has arrived. To consign your high grade vintage sports cards, modern rarities or memorabilia, contact them quickly at (877) 606-LANE or visit www.memorylaninc.com.