RMY Auctions, popular with collectors for its unforgettable offerings, has blown the figurative bidding trumpet for its latest treasure trove featuring photographs encapsulating key moments in sports and entertainment history. This time the spotlight swings to a black and white photograph dating back to 1948, featuring baseball Hall of Famers, Satchel Paige and Bob Feller, both mid-action. What makes this 7″ x 8 ¾” photo more of a home run than a mere strike is the fact that this very image was seized by Leaf and repurposed for Paige’s rookie card in the following year, a memento from the time he made history transitioning from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
But that’s just the opening act. In a vault of dramatic exposure, RMY Auctions tosses another gem into the lot – a rare Type I original photo showcasing Paige during his days playing for the Kansas City Monarchs. The catalogue racks up a count of over 900 items, presenting a curated viewfinder on a century-spanning spectacle of sports, news, and entertainment imagery. This auction sees many photographs stepping into the limelight for the first time, including a silver gelatin print of the 23-year-old Jim Thorpe, captured through the lens of renowned photographer George Grantham Bain in 1910.
Baseball enthusiasts are in for a treat with a 1905 PC782 Rotograph real photo postcard of Jack Chesbro gracing the stage. Additionally, making waves is a 1934 snapshot of Carl Hubbell, used to design his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card. The nostalgic lineup is sweetened further with stills of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, documenting milestones like Ruth’s debut season with the Yankees in 1920, and an adrenaline-charged scene from the 1928 World Series.
For those whose hearts throb to a more modern drumbeat, this photographic time capsule features a 1972 image immortalising Roberto Clemente’s 3000th career hit, and a monumental capture of Wilt Chamberlain’s victorious grin following his unprecedented 100th point scored in a single match. Added to the mix are dynamic shots from Michael Jordan’s NBA heyday, framed by Chicago’s legendary photographers.
Gifted with a knack for the quirky, RMY Auctions’ palette also boasts of a peculiarly delightful photograph of Joe DiMaggio unwinding in the Yankees clubhouse and a whimsical snap of Ted Williams astride a zebra. Offering a photographic kaleidoscope through which one can witness the unfolding of the 20th century, this auction welcomes historical memorabilia enthusiasts and photography buffs into its inclusive fold. Empowering enthusiasts to lock in their bids, the auction will continue until the 11th of May, offering an opportunity to own a piece of history.