Step right up to the virtual auction house! For collectors and aficionados of America’s pastime, and practically anyone enthralled by the allure of historical memorabilia, an exceptional opportunity beckons. The storied Paul McInnis Auctioneer is set to orchestrate a monumental event that promises not just riveting bidding wars but also a chance to propel the dreams of students at the University of New Hampshire.
On a sunny day in North Hampton, NH, the hallowed halls of the Paul McInnis Auctioneer are buzzing with preparations. At the heart of this fervor is the vast and venerable Harry W. O’Brien Collection, an assemblage of relics so steeped in history they practically whisper tales of the baseball greats. Harry W. O’Brien, a name now synonymous with dedicated collection, curated these treasures, his passion ignited by his father, Daniel, whose own collecting commenced amid the tumult of global conflict.
What’s under the gavel, you ask? No less than an encyclopedic array of pre-war baseball tobacco and gum cards, a parade of vintage comics, and an assortment of other collectables so rare they could make even the most stoic collector’s heart skip a beat. This auction is set not just to captivate but to catapult proceeds towards a noble cause—the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund. Education, meet baseball legacy.
The pièce de résistance of the collection has to be the 300 T206 cards, including depictions of 48 Hall of Famers like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. Additionally, collectors can set their sights on the complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Folders and 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s showcasing luminaries such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. These cards aren’t just pieces of cardboard; they’re canvases bearing the visages of legends, meticulously preserved through decades.
But wait, there’s more! The lot also includes Philadelphia Caramels cards and 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards with Ruth and Gehrig, alongside many others from the rare 1930s George C Miller issue. For those with a penchant for pugilistic prowess, the 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards featuring Jack Johnson will surely be a knockout hit.
As Paul McInnis, the master auctioneer, notes the uniqueness of this collection, he can’t help but spotlight the rarity, age, and stunning condition of these items. “Many of these treasures are stepping into the auction spotlight for the first time, pristine as the day they were printed,” he states with a twinkle in his eye that hints at the exciting bidding wars to come.
For comic book enthusiasts, there’s equal cause for celebration. The auction features high-grade 1940s comics including those starring Superman and Batman—protectors of the innocent and the night, inked into the pages of history. Here lies an opportunity to own a piece of the Golden Age of Comics, preserved in near-mint condition.
Yet, for those intrigued by history beyond the diamond and the ink, rare ticket stubs from historical events such as the 1912 inaugural game at Fenway Park offer a tangible connection to landmark moments. Over 500 lots representing a trove of Americana await new homes.
Registration is open and pre-bidding has begun. As the calendar slowly turns to May 4, 2024, at precisely 11:00 AM, the main event—a live virtual webcast—will commence on the Paul McInnis website. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the bid, the love of the game, or the pursuit of rare finds, this auction is a field of dreams turning back the pages of time to benefit the future through education.
For those looking to venture into the storied past of baseball and beyond, this auction isn’t just a sale; it’s a grand slam of history, legacy, and philanthropy. Whether for the mantle or as a means to help others, each bid promises to be as impactful as a home run in a bottom-of-the-ninth World Series game. Swing for the fences, collectors—this one’s for the history books.
