Heritage Auctions has unveiled a fascinating lineup of autographed photographs in its latest Icons Photography Auction, aimed at captivating sports card aficionados. The auction showcases a diverse selection of vintage images that hold significant historical and sentimental value for collectors.
A standout item in the auction is a 1948 photo capturing basketball legend George Mikan in action, overlaid with his 1948 Bowman rookie card. This 8×10 Type 1 photo, adorned with Mikan’s signature in striking blue ink, is expected to command bids exceeding $20,000, making it a prized possession for basketball memorabilia enthusiasts.
The theme of signed vintage photos continues throughout the auction, with notable additions like a late 1940s photo featuring Cleveland Browns star Otto Graham, matching his 1950 Bowman Football rookie card, complete with his autograph. Another highlight is a 1949 photo of Jackie Robinson receiving his Silver Bat for clinching the National League batting title, a year he was crowned MVP. This Type I photo, personalized to “Jeff,” adds a personal touch to the iconic moment.
An intriguing piece in the lineup is a 1957 photo capturing Jackie Robinson clearing out his locker at Ebbets Field following his retirement from baseball. The image provides a glimpse into Robinson’s final moments as a player, featuring his Dodgers cap, jersey, glove, cleats, and equipment bag, alongside two bats, one of which belonged to Gil Hodges. Anticipated to attract bids over $10,000, this photograph preserves a poignant moment in baseball history.
Adding to the allure of the auction is a photo associated with Willie Mays’ 1952 Topps card, showcasing Mays’ signature on the front, believed to have been signed in the 1990s, offering a unique piece of baseball history for passionate collectors.
With over 150 vintage images in the online catalog, the auction spans sports photography from more than a century ago. Noteworthy pieces include a photo from the 1919 World Series featuring Black Sox pitcher Eddie Cicotte and Reds’ starter Dutch Reuther exchanging pleasantries before a pivotal game at Redland Field in Cincinnati. This historic image, adorned with original paper captions and stamps, is expected to kick off bidding at $8,000, appealing to collectors of historical sports memorabilia.
The auction also showcases rookie photos of iconic athletes such as Hank Aaron (1954), Jack Nicklaus (1962), and Pete Maravich (1970), alongside various images immortalizing legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the pre-war sports landscape.
Running until June 13, the Icons Photography Auction presents a comprehensive collection of sports history frozen in time through captivating photography, opening avenues for collectors and enthusiasts to own tangible pieces of sports heritage.