Imagine a room filled with echoes of the past, where every item whispers a tale of bygone eras and legendary sports heroes. This is not your average backyard garage sale; it’s the upcoming auction organized by Paul McInnis Auctioneer in North Hampton, NH, which promises to be a riveting event for collectors and history buffs alike.
At the center of this auction is the Harry W. O’Brien Collection, an extraordinary assortment of memorabilia that spans decades of baseball history. This collection is not merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a well-curated historical archive that captures the essence of American baseball from the pre-war era. Harry W. O’Brien, a resident of Manchester, NH, amassed this collection, which features contributions from his father, Daniel O’Brien, who gathered these relics during his service in the World Wars. The forthcoming auction is slated to support a noble cause – benefiting the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund, aiming to ease the financial burden on students pursuing higher education.
The collection is truly a marvel for aficionados of the sport, featuring over 300 T206 cards that include 48 Hall of Famers such as Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. Picture the thrill of holding a card that once belonged to baseball giants whose prowess on the field remains the stuff of legends. But it doesn’t end there. Also on offer is a complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Folders and a stunning array of 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s graced by the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Beyond the baseball diamonds, the auction boasts a range of other collectibles, including the 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards that spotlight legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson, adding a punch of historical significance. The allure of this collection is further enhanced by a diverse assortment of vintage non-sports cards and high-grade 1940s comics featuring iconic characters like Superman and Batman. These comics are not merely reading material but are artifacts that showcase the golden age of American comic book history.
One of the highlights of the auction is the rare ticket stubs from pivotal historical events, including the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912. Imagine owning a piece of baseball history that witnessed the first ever game played at one of the most iconic sports venues in America. This tangible link to the past is not just a collector’s item but a relic that celebrates the enduring spirit of baseball.
Paul McInnis, the man behind the gavel, has noted the unique appeal of the collection, highlighting not only its rarity and historical value but also its pristine condition, a rarity for items of such age. Many of these treasures will be sold for the first time, making this auction a landmark event for collectors and enthusiasts.
For those keen to partake in this historical event, pre-bidding is currently open, and anticipation is building towards the main event: a live virtual webcast scheduled for May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM on the Paul McInnis website. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a novice with a passion for history and sports, this auction offers a wealth of treasures that promise to enrich your collection and connect you with the illustrious past of America’s favorite pastime. As the auction date approaches, the excitement is palpable, setting the stage for what is sure to be a memorable and impactful event in the world of memorabilia and philanthropy.