Step into the past with an auction that not only promises a trip down memory lane for baseball aficionados and comic book fans but also supports a noble cause. The Paul McInnis Auctioneer is poised to host an extraordinary event that showcases the extensive Harry W. O’Brien Collection of pre-war baseball memorabilia and vintage comics. This impressive auction is slated to benefit the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund, turning prized collectibles into educational opportunities.
The auction block will feature an array of memorabilia amassed by the late Harry W. O’Brien, a dedicated collector from Manchester, NH, whose passion for baseball history was inherited from his father, Daniel, who began collecting during his service in both World Wars. For collectors, this auction is much like a field of dreams, filled with historical treasures that capture the golden era of baseball.
Highlighted among the offerings are over 300 T206 tobacco cards, a revered series that includes 48 Hall of Famers such as Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. These tiny cardboard treasures represent a pivotal era in baseball history and are highly coveted by collectors. One can almost hear the crack of the bat and the roar of early 20th-century crowds as they peruse these cards.
The auction also throws a spotlight on a complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Folders and an impressive selection of 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s, showcasing legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The depth of the collection spans several other series, including Philadelphia Caramels cards, 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards also featuring Ruth and Gehrig, and items from the rare 1930s George C Miller issue.
Baseball isn’t the only sport represented in O’Brien’s collection. Boxing enthusiasts will find themselves face to face with 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards featuring the legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson. Alongside these are vintage non-sports cards, diving into realms beyond the diamond and ring, with the majority of these cards having been professionally graded by SGC, thus ensuring their authenticity and condition.
Adding a layer of excitement to the event, the auction will also include high-grade 1940s comics with characters who have become iconic in pop culture, such as Superman and Batman. These comics not only represent a bygone era of storytelling but are also artifacts of 20th-century Americana, likely to fetch considerable interest and fervor among collectors.
In an added twist of historical allure, rare ticket stubs from monumental events like the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912 will be up for grabs. This piece alone could serve as a cornerstone for any serious collection, bridging past and present sports history.
With over 500 lots available, and pre-bidding already in motion, the main event is scheduled to unfold in a live virtual webcast on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM on the Paul McInnis website. This auction is not just an opportunity for collectors to own a piece of history, but also a chance to give back, with all proceeds destined to support future scholars at the University of New Hampshire.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a baseball enthusiast, or someone with a keen interest in historical memorabilia, this auction offers a unique chance to claim a piece of the past, while contributing to the future of education. As each lot finds a new home, bidders are not merely purchasing items; they are investing in potential, helping students hit home runs in their academic endeavors through the funds raised. This isn’t just an auction; it’s a grand slam for charity and history buffs alike!
