Step right up, sports fans and lovers of historical memorabilia! In an event that’s sure to get the auction paddles waving, Paul McInnis Auctioneer is preparing to swing for the fences with an extraordinary auction featuring the Harry W. O’Brien Collection. This impressive assembly of pre-war baseball memorabilia and more will be held to benefit the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund. From Babe Ruth to Cy Young, the lineup is a who’s who of baseball legends, all up for grabs in North Hampton, NH.
Harry W. O’Brien – a name that might not resonate like Ruth or Gehrig – but in the world of memorabilia collectors, his collection is set to make a sizable impact. Collected fervently by his father Daniel during the tumultuous times of World Wars, this batch of memorabilia has waited decades to emerge from the shadows. This collection isn’t just a random assortment of items; it’s a finely curated museum of baseball history, encapsulating a time when the sport was still young and full of mystique.
Imagine holding a ticket stub from the very first game at Fenway Park in 1912. Now picture over 300 T206 tobacco cards, which include 48 Hall of Famers – legendary names that resonate through the annals of baseball history. Christie Mathewson, Cy Young – these aren’t merely players; they are icons, etched into the very fabric of the sport. And there, nestled within this treasure trove, lies a complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders and 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s, featuring none other than Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
The auction offers more than just baseball cards. It sets the stage with vintage comics from the 1940s, featuring caped crusaders like Superman and Batman. These high-grade comics are expected to draw bidders from far and wide, offering a nostalgic trip into the golden age of comic books.
But that’s not all. The Philadelphia Caramels cards, 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards, and a variety of cards from the rare 1930s George C Miller issue add to the mix, making this auction a comprehensive snapshot of early twentieth-century pop culture. For boxing enthusiasts, the collection steps into the ring with 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards featuring the legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson.
Collectors and enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the majority of these items have been professionally graded by SGC, ensuring their quality and authenticity. This meticulous grading also means that bidders will be vying for some of the best-preserved pieces of history available on the market today.
Paul McInnis himself has expressed his excitement about the rarity and pristine condition of the items on offer. His enthusiasm is contagious, especially when considering that many of these items will be sold for the very first time. This auction isn’t just a sale; it’s an event, a festival celebrating the rich history of America’s pastime.
For those keen to get involved, the action isn’t just limited to the day of the auction. Pre-bidding is currently open, allowing early birds to stake their claims even before the live virtual webcast, which will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM on the Paul McInnis website.
So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and maybe wear your lucky baseball cap. This auction promises excitement, historical marvels, and the joy of potentially owning a piece of sporting history. Moreover, every bid placed will assist in funding higher education for students at the University of New Hampshire, making each purchase not just a win for your collection, but a home run for education. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new entrant to the fascinating world of memorabilia, this auction is not to be missed.
