RMY Auctions has swung open their archive doors, unveiling over 900 rare, historical photographs at their May auction. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill snapshots; they’re a collection of moments frozen in time, capturing the heart and soul of 20th-century sports and entertainment. Among these frozen frames, a black and white photograph from 1948 stands tall, featuring baseball legends Satchel Paige and Bob Feller.
This 7 x 8 ¾” image isn’t just another vintage photo; it is the material source that produced Paige’s highly valuable rookie card released by Leaf in 1949. Paige, who famously transitioned from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with Cleveland, is also seen in a rare Type 1 original snapshot, in Monarchs uniform, tossing magic from the mound.
It’s not just sports history that is being bid on, but also a century of iconic photographs from the realms of news and entertainment. For instance, a 1910 silver gelatin image of Jim Thorpe, only 23 at the time, breathes a certain historical depth into the collection. Caught on camera by George Grantham Bain, Thorpe’s image is a testament to his athletic prowess that defined an era.
From the hundreds of lots featured in the auction, certain images radiate an extra spark of history. A 1905 real photo postcard of Jack Chesbro, an early 20th-century baseball star by PC782 Rotograph, makes its public debut. Moreover, a 1934 photograph of Carl Hubbell adds sparkle as it was the very image used for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card.
For fans craving a dose of nostalgia, the collection serves up images of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig from Ruth’s maiden season with the Yankees in 1920 to a gripping moment from the 1928 World Series. More modern memories also feature, such as a 1972 photograph of Roberto Clemente’s 3000th career hit and an action shot of Wilt Chamberlain clocking his record-setting, elusive 100th point in a single game.
The auction refuses to forget the basketball nation, featuring shots from the prime NBA days of Michael Jordan. All clicked by Chicago photographers who lived through Jordan’s reign and managed to freeze – in time – the power and grace of His Airness.
The auction isn’t all gravitas and game-changing moments. There’s a lighter side with images of Joe DiMaggio lounging in the Yankees clubhouse and Ted Williams experiencing the thrill of zebra-riding! This varied collection paints not only a panorama of the 20th century but appeal to collectors of historical memorabilia and photography enthusiasts alike, adding an eclectic flair to the auction.
Bidding in this freeze-frame extravaganza is underway, with the curtain finally descending on May 11. So, if you’re captivated by the wide-eyed wonder of history seen through the lens, RMY Auctions’ May catalog is a treasure trove not to be missed.
