RMY Auctions’ May event unfolds like a vibrant tableau, highlighting snippets of ephemeral imprints across a spectrum of genres. Of note, this remarkable orchestration encompasses sports and entertainment history as well as the evolution of news through the 20th century. The collection amasses over 900 photographs, captivating all and sundry with its historical richness.
One photograph that emanates a particularly fetching tale is a black-and-white image from 1948, starring the illustrious duo Satchel Paige and Bob Feller, stalwarts of American baseball. The significance of the 7 x 8 ¾” photograph elevates as it was used to create Paige’s renowned rookie card by Leaf in 1949. This occurred post his epoch-making transition from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
Cue a rare set piece of Paige, adorned in the red and white of Kansas City Monarchs shown in perfect action. A photographic gem, a silver gelatin image shot by George Grantham Bain, dates back to 1910. The sepia-toned photograph exquisitely captures a 23-year-old Jim Thorpe, an accomplished athlete, providing historical depth to the auction.
Spanning early years of baseball is a rare find, a 1905 PC782 Rotograph real photo postcard of Jack Chesbro, and a 1934 photograph of Carl Hubbell. Hubbell’s framed moment is singular because it was used for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card. The grand baseball saga wouldn’t be complete without the legends striving on the field. Adding weightage to the collection are various shots of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, life stirred into stillness to capture milestones like Ruth’s maiden season with the Yankees in 1920 or the dramatic setting of the 1928 World Series.
Modern memorabilia collectors will find intrigue in the 1972 snapshot of Roberto Clemente hitting his 3000th career run, and a moment frozen in time when Wilt Chamberlain broke records by scoring his 100th point in a single game. The collection also pans on more recent heroes, such as striking images from Michael Jordan’s NBA highlights, all captured by Chicago area photographers.
To infuse a dash of flamboyance into the collection are unique moments like Joe DiMaggio in the Yankees clubhouse and Ted Williams atop a zebra. This varied potpourri of visual history makes the auction a paradise for collectors, history enthusiasts, photography aficionados, and sports fans. Mark your calendars for May 11, when RMY Auctions’ May showcase culminates, promising an unparalleled journey through a century of photographs.
