Step right up, sports enthusiasts and history buffs! The much-anticipated auction of the Harry W. O’Brien Collection is upon us, promising a dazzling display of pre-war baseball memorabilia, vintage comics, and a sprinkle of other thrilling collectibles. Hosted by Paul McInnis Auctioneer in the picturesque North Hampton, NH, this event is more than just a gathering—it’s a grand slam for charity, with all proceeds earmarked for the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.
Harry W. O’Brien, a resident of Manchester, NH, bequeathed an expansive assortment of memorabilia, meticulously gathered by his father, Daniel, who diligently amassed these treasures amidst the backdrop of his military duties during the two World Wars. This collection isn’t just vast; it’s a kaleidoscope of the past, encapsulating the golden eras of America’s favorite pastime.
Imagine a room showcasing over 300 T206 cards, including depictions of 48 Hall of Famers like the eminent Christie Mathewson and the legendary Cy Young. But that’s just the tip of the bat. The auction also features a complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Folders and a robust lineup of 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s spotlighting titans such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. These pieces, steep in history and allure, promise to ignite fierce bidding wars amongst collectors and aficionados.
And the hits just keep coming! There’s more to this astounding collection than just baseball cards. Consider the assortment of Philadelphia Caramels cards, 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards featuring none other than Ruth and Gehrig again, and a slew of other rarities from the 1930s George C. Miller release. Venturing outside the diamond, the collection swings to the 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards, starring legendary heavyweight champ Jack Johnson.
For those with a penchant for popular culture, hold onto your hats! The auction boasts high-grade 1940s comics, with headliners including the caped crusaders Superman and Batman. These storied pages, preserved in near-mint condition, represent a cross-section of American pop art and superhero lore.
Adding a flicker of historical spectacle, the auction also features rare ticket stubs from landmark events like the inaugural game at the hallowed grounds of Fenway Park in 1912. Such artifacts don’t just recount history; they are artifacts of the epochs they represent, resonating with stories of eras bygone.
With over 500 lots offered, the scope of this auction is monumental. Each item, many professionally graded by SGC, narrates a chapter of history, preserved meticulously over decades. These will be auctioned off either individually or in discerningly curated lots, providing both seasoned collectors and enthusiastic newbies ample opportunities to clinch a piece of the past.
The grandeur of the upcoming auction is not just in the items listed but in its cause. As these relics of baseball and cultural history change hands, they do so not for profit but for a noble cause—helping students pursue their educational dreams through the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.
For those eager to participate, pre-bidding is now open, with the crescendo building up to a live virtual webcast scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM on the Paul McInnis website. Whether you’re a collector, a history enthusiast, or a philanthropist at heart, this auction offers a unique opportunity not just to own a piece of history, but to make history by contributing to the future of education. Swing for the fences and perhaps walk away with a piece of the past, wrapped neatly in the spirit of giving. Be a part of this historic event and help turn pages in someone’s life as they embark on their educational journey.