Step right up, sports fans and memorabilia collectors! The upcoming auction hosted by Paul McInnis Auctioneer is not only a treasure trove of rare vintage collectibles but also a golden opportunity to support future scholars. The extensive Harry W. O’Brien Collection, featuring a cornucopia of pre-war baseball cards and vintage comics, is set to hit the auction block to benefit the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.
Imagine owning a piece of baseball history—cards that were once clutched in the hands of eager young fans, now preserved and waiting to be claimed by a new generation of enthusiasts. The collection hails from the estate of Harry W. O’Brien of Manchester, NH, whose father, Daniel O’Brien, began his illustrious collecting journey amidst the echoes of World Wars.
The heart of the auction lies in the 300 T206 cards, a revered set among collectors, showcasing 48 Hall of Famers including icons like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. But the pre-war baseball glamour does not end there. A complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Folders will also go under the gavel, alongside 80 Goudey cards from the jazzy 1930s featuring none other than Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Adding to this lineup are the scrumptious Philadelphia Caramels cards, 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards starring Ruth and Gehrig again, and the rare 1930s George C Miller issue cards—a truly stunning array for those with a penchant for the sport’s golden era.
But wait, there’s more! For the pugilistic aficionados, the auction presents 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards with the legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson gracing the collection. Delving into the non-sporting realm, the trove includes a rich assortment of vintage non-sports cards, all professionally graded by SGC.
Every lot promises a backstory, a slice of history from a time when collecting cards was as much about passion as it was about play. Paul McInnis expressed his excitement about the uniqueness of the auction, emphasizing the rarity, age, and pristine condition of these items. Many of these collectibles, held reverently by one family, are making their first appearance on the auction stage.
Speaking of stages, the action isn’t limited to baseball. The auction also boasts high-grade 1940s comics, featuring caped crusaders like Superman and Batman, expected to draw considerable interest from comic book collectors and enthusiasts. These comics are time capsules, each page a portal to the past—where heroes were born and villains vanquished in the span of a staple-bound adventure.
Adding yet another layer of historical allure, rare ticket stubs from significant sporting milestones, including the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912, will be available. These stubs are not merely tickets but bookmarks in the annals of sports history, marking moments of triumph, tears, and the raw thrill of the game.
With over 500 lots on offer, this auction is crafted to captivate collectors and aficionados alike. It’s not merely an auction; it’s an invitation to own a fragment of history, to hold a story in your hands. Pre-bidding is currently open, warming up the crowd for the main event—a live virtual webcast set for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM on the Paul McInnis website.
For those who hold a torch for sports history or comic book lore, or for anyone looking to make a valuable contribution to education through their passion for collecting, this auction promises opportunities as rich as the stories behind each lot. Whether you’re aiming to snag that rare Babe Ruth card or a slice of Superman’s adventures, your winning bid will not only enhance your collection but also brighten the future path of a student at the University of New Hampshire. A win for your showcase, and a win for education—now that’s a score worth bidding for!
