Historic Baseball Memorabilia Auction Aids College Scholarships

Welcome to a treasure trove of America’s favorite pastime! The Paul McInnis Auction House, located in the quaint town of North Hampton, New Hampshire, is gearing up for an event that swings right out of the ballpark. Their upcoming auction, featuring the remarkable Harry W. O’Brien Collection, isn’t just a paradise for memorabilia aficionados; it’s a benefit for brains, with all proceeds aimed at enriching the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.

Harry W. O’Brien from Manchester, NH, preserved a golden era through his extensive collection. His father, Daniel, had been quite the accumulator himself, picking up treasures during his time in the military across both World Wars. What began as Daniel’s hobby became an inheritance of historical significance, with Harry continuing this legacy. Stored carefully over the years, their family collection has now been handed to the public in an effort to pave a smooth path for future scholars.

Imagine every baseball card you’ve ever wanted to hold in your hands, glittering with the nostalgic patina of ages past. The auction’s star players include more than 300 T206 tobacco cards, highlighted by 48 inductees of the Baseball Hall of Fame such as pitching legends Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. Then, there’s the complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders—foldable cards that offered twice the fun with multiple athletes on a single card.

For those with a sweet tooth for history, the collection also serves up 80 Goudey cards from the sizzling baseball scene of the 1930s. None other than the Sultan of Swat, Babe Ruth, and the Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig, make appearances in this series, ensuring the bids will be as competitive as a bottom-of-the-ninth playoff game. The offering extends to rarities like Philadelphia Caramels cards, 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards featuring Ruth and Gehrig yet again, and pieces from the scarce 1930s George C Miller issue.

Sports fans might reel, but there’s more—1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards featuring legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson snap a one-two punch of historical heft. But let’s swing back to cards of a different deck because Danny O’Brien’s wartime collection wasn’t all baseball. A vibrant assortment of cards from fascinating non-sports realms will entice bidders who cherish the stories beyond stadiums.

Beyond cards, this auction splashes into the colorful world of Golden Age comics. High-grade 1940s issues starring Superman and Batman promise to mesmerize not only comic collectors but also those fascinated by the art and storytelling that flanked the era of World Wars.

Ticket stubs from landmark sporting events, such as the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912, bring an extra layer of authenticity and nostalgia, allowing fans to own a piece of American sports history. With more than 500 lots presented, the diversity and volume of relics promise a tantalizing affair for any collector.

Bidders eager to claim their piece of history can initiate their journey ahead of the gavel through pre-bidding now open on Paul McInnis’s website. To witness these relics find their new homes, mark your calendars for the live virtual webcast scheduled on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM EDT. It’s not just an auction; it’s an event, celebrating the past while investing fiercely in the future of hopeful university students.

Prepare your paddles (and perhaps clear some shelf space) for this not-to-be-missed historical gala where time is measured in innings, and legacies are passed on not just through stories, but through the very memorabilia that made them. Let the bidding begin!

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