Stepping into the arena of RMY Auctions this May, one gets a dose of glorious nostalgia by delving into rich, golden memories frozen in time. The auction presents a rare collection, where each photograph tells a different, pivotal tale from the annals of sports and entertainment history.
The headliner of the auction is a monumental black and white photograph, dated back to 1948. It boasts two iconic figures of baseball history—Satchel Paige and Bob Feller—immortalized together. This 7 x 8 ¾” image is etched in history not just for its celebrity frame, but also since it became the base for Paige’s much-acclaimed rookie card produced by Leaf in 1949. This image was also a beacon marking Paige’s journey from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
The scenic range of the auction encompasses more than just an iconic rookie card. A rare, Type I original photograph of Paige strutting his magic for the Kansas City Monarchs has also been unveiled. Comprising over 900 items, the catalogue is quite a spectacle, stretching across a century’s worth of vivid moments captured from sports, news, and entertainment world. It is noteworthy that for many of these photographs, this auction marks their first public viewing.
More gems in the auction treasure chest include a 1910 Silver Gelatin image of a sprightly, 23-year-old Jim Thorpe, photographed by none other than George Grantham Bain. The auction promises glimpses from the early 20th-century baseball scene with a real photo postcard of Jack Chesbro of 1905 vintage and a 1934 photograph of Carl Hubbell, used for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card. The catalogue is also home to many iconic moments featuring Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, including the 1920 season kick-starting Ruth’s stint with the Yankees and a moment from the 1928 World Series.
For those who have a taste for contemporary memorabilia, there’s a treat in the form of a 1972 snapshot of Roberto Clemente making his 3000th career hit. History in motion is showcased through an image of Wilt Chamberlain basking in the glory, post his record-setting 100th point in a single game. The charisma and energy of Michael Jordan’s prime NBA years shine bright in photographs, echoes of the keen eye of various Chicago area photographers.
The collection also indulges in the whimsical, with a photograph of Joe DiMaggio in the Yankees clubhouse and Ted Williams astride a zebra. The diverse, eccentric, and indeed, extensive chronicles on offer serve as a lens to the previous century, attracting collectors of historical memorabilia and photography aficionados alike. The auction’s door has already been opened, and the gavel is to meet its end on the bidding on May 11.
To summarise, the May feature at RMY Auctions is an affluent, kaleidoscopic spectacle, boasting over 900 photographs encapsulating influential moments of the 20th century across the spheres of sports, news, and entertainment. History buffs and collectors, brace yourselves for a photographic feast, culminating on May 11.