RMY Auctions is no ordinary art house. This May, they’re catapulting patrons onto a vivid treasure trove of pictorial history. Their current platter features over 900 delectable feet-on-the-dirt photographs that capture the throbbing pulse of sports history and the enchanting glamour of the entertainment world.
Among the gems in this constellation is a black and white snapshot taken in 1948, portraying baseball giants Satchel Paige and Bob Feller frozen in a time capsule. Measuring 7 x 8 ¾”, this beloved relic earns a special spot in the showcase for its role in conjuring Paige’s top-value rookie card by Leaf the following year, post his groundbreaking shift from Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
Gracing the auction is a Type I original print of Paige donning the uniform of the Kansas City Monarchs. These offerings cater to an audience with varying tastes, and the inventory stretches from sports and news to snapshots of the vibrant entertainment world. Many of these visual narratives are seeing the light of day for the first time.
A 1910 silver gelatin capture of a sprightly 23-year-old Jim Thorpe, shot through the lens of George Grantham Bain, injects a rich historical vein into this collection. Other coveted pieces include a 1905 PC782 Rotograph postcard image featuring Jack Chesbro, a baseball icon of the early 20th-century, and a 1934 freeze-frame of Carl Hubbell, the very image used for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card.
Nostalgically timeless photos of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig are also part of this league, documenting pivotal moments like Ruth’s initial season with the Yankees in 1920 and an action-loaded scene from the iconic 1928 World Series. The collection serves a treat for fans of modern memorabilia as well, harboring a 1972 still of Roberto Clemente marking his 3000th career hit and a legendary shot of Wilt Chamberlain beaming post his record-breaking 100-point game.
Unique entries, such as Joe DiMaggio in a candid moment at the Yankees clubhouse or Ted Williams astride a zebra, give this pictorial parade an unpredictable twist. The vibrant snaps of Michael Jordan in his NBA heyday further enrich the collection. This piquant assortment covers the full spectrum of the 20th century, catering to die-hard collectors, history buffs, and photography enthusiasts alike.
Bring out your bidding hand; the auction’s clock is ticking! May 11 marks the final call on this slice of time captured beautifully on camera. This RMY auction is gut-stirring for anyone fascinated by the interplay of cultural history and photographic artistry.