In the world of baseball collectors, few things generate as much excitement as rare pre-War baseball cards. And at Clean Sweep Auctions’ first major event of 2024, collectors and enthusiasts are eagerly eyeing an impressive array of vintage baseball memorabilia, including two exceptionally rare T206 cards that are causing quite a stir.
Among the highlights of the auction is a T206 Ray Demmitt card, which has been given a respectable SGC 2 grade. Another rare find is the Bill O’Hara card, graded SGC 1.5. These cards, along with numerous others featuring Hall of Famers, are part of the renowned “monster” set that takes center stage in the event’s online catalog.
One standout piece is the Ty Cobb card, specifically the ‘bat on shoulder’ variant, with a Sovereign 350 back that has earned a PSA 3 grade. Equally noteworthy is the SGC Cy Young portrait card, graded SGC 4, which adds to the allure of this auction.
But what truly sets this auction apart are the truly rare and valuable items. One such highlight is a set of four M110 Sporting Life Cabinet cards dating back to 1911. Featuring legendary baseball figures like Honus Wagner, Frank Chance, Nap Lajoie, and Christy Mathewson, these cards are highly sought-after due to their scarcity and historical significance.
The sale also includes other significant cards, such as an SGC 5 graded 1887 Allen & Ginter Mike “King” Kelly card, a 1907 Dietsche Ty Cobb postcard (with the name on the front variation) graded SGC 1, and a rare 1908 Rose Postcard showcasing Hall of Famer Addie Joss. Additionally, collectors will find a collection of 1911 Turkey Red Cabinets, featuring cards of Walter Johnson, Eddie Collins, Home Run Baker, Rube Waddell, and Addie Joss.
But the auction doesn’t stop at cards alone. It offers a range of key lots, including a 1921 Exhibit Babe Ruth card graded PSA 2, a 1928 Harrington’s Ice Cream Ruth card graded SGC 1.5, a 1933 George C. Miller Dizzy Dean card graded SGC 3, and a pair of 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig cards (graded PSA 2 and SGC 3.5 respectively). Notably, collectors can also find a 1933 Goudey 149 Ruth card rated SGC 5, a 1939 Play Ball Ted Williams rookie card with an SGC 3 grade, and a 1948-49 Leaf Jackie Robinson RC graded Beckett 2. The auction features a PSA 9 graded 1950 Callahan set, as well as rookie cards of Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays from the iconic 1951 Bowman collection. Collectors will be thrilled to find a 1952 Berk Ross Mantle card graded PSA 3, a 1952 Bowman Mantle card with a PSA 5 grade, a 1954 Johnson Cookies Aaron RC graded PSA 7, and a 1958 Hires Root Beer card featuring Willie Mays, also graded PSA 7.
Complete sets also make an appearance in the auction, including the 1957 and 1967 Topps sets, the latter featuring 90 graded cards.
For autograph enthusiasts, the auction presents a rare opportunity to acquire an autographed 1953 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle card, a PSA 8 graded Jackie Robinson signed Hall of Fame postcard, and a 1931 Yankees team signed baseball.
For those interested in unopened material, the auction features a 1988 Fleer basketball wax box and a 1986 Topps football rack box.
Kicking off the event is an extraordinary item fresh to the hobby – a 1939 Joe Cronin Boston Red Sox road flannel jersey, which has been rated a 9 by MEARS.
Other notable items that deserve attention include a series of Chicago Cubs signed team sets from the 1950s, a collection of thirteen different Derek Jeter autographed cards (most of which were signed before his MLB debut), and a Lou Gehrig autograph.
Basketball enthusiasts will rejoice at the discovery of two Bird/Magic rookies and two Michael Jordan rookies. Football fans can look forward to vintage sets, Tom Brady rookie cards, and even a ticket from the infamous 1958 “greatest game” between the Colts and the Giants.
To round out the auction, a wide array of baseball memorabilia is up for grabs, including 19th-century Chicago Cubs home scorecards, a 1906 Red Sox scorecard, a 1920 Who’s Who magazine featuring Babe Ruth on the cover, and numerous World Series items. Collectors will also find a 1912 tabletop baseball game, an original telephone from Ebbets Field, tickets, pennants, and a high-grade set of Hartland statues.
Bidding for this extensive and impressive collection of baseball and sports memorabilia is scheduled to run through January 31st. With such rare and coveted items up for auction, collectors and sports enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the final results of Clean Sweep Auctions’ 2024 Premiere event.