Imagine a time warp back to the early 20th century, a period well before the digital screens and virtual games took over, where leisure meant flipping through vibrant comic pages or trading baseball cards with the neighborhood kids. Now, conjure this nostalgia into the present-day as a magnanimous collection from this nostalgic era is set to go under the gavel. It’s not just an auction; it’s a treasure trove of baseball and comic book history finally stepping out of the shadows, and it’s all for a noble cause.
The venue is Paul McInnis Auctioneer in scenic North Hampton, NH, and the stakes are high. Every bid placed will ripple forward to help fund future scholars at the University of New Hampshire. This grand affair isn’t merely an auction; it’s a generous homage to education funded by the cherished collection of the late Harry W. O’Brien from Manchester, NH. Harry’s father, Daniel, a patriot through both World Wars, had meticulously gathered each piece, building what you might call a memorial of Americana, brick by cardboard brick.
The dazzling array of items on offer is a history buff’s dream. The auction headlines with over 300 T206 cards, a definitive collector’s pick that even non-aficionados recognize – thanks primarily to their age, rarity, and the fact that these little cardboard gems feature no less than 48 Hall of Famers. Picture holding the same card that once lay in the hands of a 1910s baseball fan cheering for legends like Christie Mathewson or Cy Young.
For lovers of team history and baseball lore, there are complete sets to marvel at, like the 1911 T201 Mecca Folders, and 1930s Goudey cards graced by the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The depth extends to Philadelphia Caramels cards, rare 1930s George C Miller issues, and 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards—a testament to the era’s heroes and their legendary exploits.
But it’s not all about the baseball. The ring of the boxing bell echoes through the collection with 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards, prominently featuring the formidable Jack Johnson. It’s a left hook into the past, spotlighting another facet of early 20th-century sports history. The non-sports cards encompass a gamut from historical figures to technological marvels of the day, providing a broader snapshot of the popular culture during the early decades.
For comic enthusiasts, the action leaps from the field to the pages with high-grade 1940s comics starring none other than Superman and Batman. The caped crusaders in mint condition comics are ready to fly off into private collections, hopefully landing into hands as appreciative as their original owners.
As though this weren’t enough, the auction features an exceptional piece of baseball memorabilia: rare ticket stubs from Fenway Park’s inaugural game in 1912. This piece is not just memorabilia; it’s practically a relic, representing a cornerstone moment for Boston’s beloved ballpark.
With over 500 lots on the list, bidders have plenty from which to choose, be it to enhance their collections, contribute to a greater good, or likely a bit of both. Pre-bidding has kicked off, teasing what’s to come at the main event—a live virtual webcast scheduled for a sunny Saturday morning on May 4, 2024. Collectors and philanthropists will virtually gather on the Paul McInnis website, paddles ready, hearts set on snagging a part of history.
This auction isn’t just a sale; it’s a celebration of yesteryear’s culture, a fundraiser for tomorrow’s leaders, and a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past that continues to enrich our present. As the gavel prepares to fall, the legacy of Harry W. O’Brien is poised to extend its impact far beyond the confines of a collector’s shelf. Whether it’s the crack of a vintage bat, the flash of a superhero, or the chime of academic opportunity, every lot promises a story and a chance to keep making history.
