Heritage Auctions’ latest Icons Photography Auction is making waves in the world of sports memorabilia with a stunning collection of autographed vintage photographs, sure to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
One of the most prized items featured in this auction is a 1948 photo of basketball legend George Mikan that mirrors his iconic 1948 Bowman rookie card. This 8×10 Type 1 photo captures Mikan in action, adorned with his signature in pristine blue ink, and is poised to command a price tag of over $20,000 from eager bidders.
The theme of signed vintage photos continues to shine through various pieces up for auction. A late 1940s photograph of Cleveland Browns’ legendary quarterback Otto Graham, reminiscent of his 1950 Bowman Football rookie card, also bears his signature, adding an extra layer of allure for football aficionados. Another standout piece is a 1949 photo of Jackie Robinson, commemorating his receipt of the Silver Bat for clinching the National League batting title and his MVP award that same year, personalized to a certain “Jeff,” making it a unique and cherished item among fans.
Adding to the allure, a 1957 photo of Robinson tidying his locker at Ebbets Field post-retirement offers a poignant glimpse into the legendary player’s life, with his personal belongings and a bat believed to have belonged to Gil Hodges accentuating the historical significance of the image. This piece is predicted to attract bids exceeding $10,000 from history buffs and baseball enthusiasts alike.
Among the other treasures awaiting bidders is a photo that was the basis for Willie Mays’ 1952 Topps card, bearing Mays’ signature on the front, likely penned during the 1990s, adding a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the piece.
The comprehensive online catalog boasts a rich tapestry of over 150 vintage images, some harking back more than a century, offering a diverse array of snapshots capturing pivotal moments in sports history. Of particular note is a photo from the 1919 World Series immortalizing Black Sox pitcher Eddie Cicotte and Reds’ starter Dutch Reuther shaking hands before a game at Redland Field in Cincinnati, complete with original paper captions and stamps on the reverse – a piece expected to kick off the bidding at $8,000.
Enthusiasts will also relish the opportunity to bid on rookie photos of sports luminaries such as Hank Aaron (1954), Jack Nicklaus (1962), and Pete Maravich (1970), alongside various images featuring the indelible presence of baseball legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, among other pre-war sports icons.
Running until June 13, this meticulously curated auction not only promises a captivating journey through sports history but also invites collectors and admirers to own a tangible piece of the rich tapestry of sports heritage immortalized through the lenses of renowned photographers.