Imagine stepping into a trove where the spirits of baseball greats like Babe Ruth and Cy Young still linger in the corners, their legacies imprinted on weathered baseball cards. That’s exactly what bidders will experience at the upcoming auction hosted by Paul McInnis Auctioneer in the quaint town of North Hampton, NH. But this isn’t just any collection; it’s a carefully curated selection of pre-war baseball memorabilia and vintage comics from the Harry W. O’Brien Collection, all set to benefit the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.
The heart of this auction lies in its noble cause—supporting higher education. Every penny raised from the event will go towards helping students at the University of New Hampshire, turning cherished collectibles into educational opportunities. It’s a perfect pitch of nostalgia meets philanthropy.
Harry W. O’Brien, a Manchester native, inherited this awe-inspiring collection from his father, Daniel, who started amassing these treasures amid the turmoil of two world wars. What began as a simple hobby soon ballooned into a remarkable collection, encapsulating the golden era of baseball and beyond.
Now, let’s talk specifics. The auction block will feature a stunning array of more than 300 T206 cards, which sports historians and card enthusiasts might recognize as the “monster set” for its complexity and desirability. These little cardboard treasures include 48 Hall of Famers – yes, you read that right – including the likes of Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. But that’s not all. Imagine owning a complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders or getting your hands on 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s, immortalizing heroes like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
But wait, there’s more! The cache includes Philadelphia Caramels cards, the 4-in-1 Exhibit cards that feature Ruth and Gehrig, and gems from the rare 1930s George C Miller issue.
Beyond the baseball diamond, the auction also presents something for those with a penchant for fisticuffs and the fantastical. Boxing enthusiasts can spar for the 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards featuring the legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson. Meanwhile, comic book fans can zoom into the action with high-grade 1940s comics, starring none other than Superman and Batman.
For those who cherish the experience as much as the memorabilia, rare ticket stubs from historic sports monuments like the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912 will also go under the hammer. These are not just tickets; they are passes to historic moments, preserved for posterity.
Paul McInnis, the auctioneer steering this monumental event, praised the pristine condition and rarity of the items. According to him, this auction not only serves as a conduit to own a piece of history but also to preserve these legacies by contributing to a noble cause. With over 500 lots available, the potential to own a piece of this meticulously preserved history is immense.
Pre-bidding is now open for those eager to get a head start before the main event. The live virtual webcast is scheduled for a beautiful spring morning on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The Paul McInnis website will serve as the arena where history, nostalgia, and altruism converge.
This collection stands as a testament to the endurance of baseball’s and comic book heroes’ legacies, transcending generations. But more importantly, it symbolizes the power of community and charity, transforming collectibles into scholarships, fostering futures as bright as the vintage gloss on a 1930 Goudey Babe Ruth. Be ready to raise your virtual paddle – not just for a piece of history, but for a part of the future.