In the quaint town of North Hampton, NH, a treasure trove of sports history will soon catch the gavel’s fall, unleashing a wave of nostalgia and spirited bidding. The upcoming auction by Paul McInnis Auctioneer is no run-of-the-mill event; it’s a grand homage to the golden age of baseball and a tribute to the collectors who preserve this slice of American culture. The auction features the extensive Harry W. O’Brien Collection, a meticulously assembled cache of pre-war baseball memorabilia, poised to support an admirable cause—the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.
Harry W. O’Brien’s passion for baseball memorabilia was inherited from his father, Daniel, who began amassing these collectibles during his times serving in the World Wars. The collection heralds a bygone era when baseball legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig ruled the ballparks and tobacco and gum cards were the coveted keepsakes of the sport’s fervent followers.
The spotlight items of the auction are the stunning 300 T206 cards, a holy grail for card collectors, featuring 48 Hall of Famers including the likes of Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. This set alone could make enthusiasts’ hearts skip a beat. But there’s more—imagine owning a complete set of the 1911 T201 Mecca Folders, or 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s, echoing the exploits of Ruth and Gehrig through their vibrant lithographs.
The collection also boasts a selection of Philadelphia Caramels cards, and 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards that feature Ruth and Gehrig again, alongside other treasures from the rare 1930s George C Miller issue. Each piece holds a story, a fragment of sports history that has been preserved through decades.
Beyond the baseball diamonds, the auction’s allure extends to pugilistic history with 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards that picture legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson, a symbol of resilience and prowess in the early 20th century. Additionally, enthusiasts of graphic and literary arts will find intrigue in high-grade 1940s comics featuring iconic superheroes like Superman and Batman, items that not only highlight the crossover appeal of this auction but also the broad cultural impact of these times.
For those who gravitate towards the experiential side of history, rare ticket stubs from significant events such as the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912 are also up for grabs. These artifacts not only represent moments of athletic glory but are tangible links to the epochs they represent.
Paul McInnis emphasized the uniqueness of this gathering of memorabilia, noting the pristine condition and the rare opportunity these items represent for collectors. Having been professionally graded mostly by SGC, these mementos offer a guarantee of quality and authenticity, crucial for items of such historical and emotional value.
The upcoming auction promises to be an eventful day for collectors and enthusiasts, with over 500 lots on offer. Scheduled for a live virtual webcast on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM on the Paul McInnis website, the event allows for both physical and digital participation. Pre-bidding is already open, signaling an enthusiastic start to what could be one of the most memorable auctions for fans of baseball history and vintage collectibles.
This auction is not just a transaction of goods; it’s a circulatory system of passion, history, and commitment, fueling future generations through the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund. The prospects of acquiring a piece of the past to support the future might just be the home run collectors and philanthropists alike are looking to hit.