Baseball aficionados and vintage card collectors, get your paddles ready! The hallowed halls of Paul McInnis Auctioneer in North Hampton, New Hampshire, will soon resonate with the excited chatter and competitive bidding of enthusiasts eager to lay their hands on a remarkable array of pre-war baseball memorabilia. This isn’t just any auction—it’s a heartwarming amalgamation of passion for sports and philanthropy.
Born from the extensive collection of the late Harry W. O’Brien from Manchester, NH, this auction is a storied journey into the annals of baseball history through memorabilia that was painstakingly gathered by his father, Daniel, during his service in both World Wars. Every card, every comic, every piece of memorabilia has a story, steeped in the rich history of American sports and preserved across generations.
As if taken from the dusty shelves of history and time-warped into the present, the auction features over 300 T206 tobacco cards, including depictions of baseball giants like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. But the crème de la crème doesn’t stop there—imagine owning a complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Folders or getting your hands on 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s studded with names like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. For fans and collectors, these names aren’t just players; they are near-mythical figures that shaped the early days of America’s favorite pastime.
The collection also boasts Philadelphia Caramels cards, 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards prominently featuring Ruth and Gehrig again, and an attractive array of cards from the 1930s George C Miller issue. Each piece invites you into a bygone era, not just of sports, but of a country finding its identity through leisure and competition.
Further diversifying this extraordinary collection are 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards with legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson leading the lineup, alongside a fascinating variety of vintage non-sports cards. Whether it’s the surge of adrenaline in the boxing ring or the thrill of unwrapping a new pack of cards, the aura surrounding these collectibles is palpable.
For comic book enthusiasts, there’s something in store as well. The auction will also feature high-grade 1940s comics, including editions featuring Superman and Batman. Perfectly preserved, these comics offer a glimpse into the storytelling and artistic styles that captivated the imaginations of mid-century America—and continue to influence pop culture today.
What truly sets this auction apart is not just the rarity and pristine condition of these items—many of which are coming to market for the first time—but also its noble cause. Every bid goes towards the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund, helping to foster the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. In this thrilling game of bids and gavels, every participant contributes to a broader mission of education and opportunity.
Moreover, the auction will feature rare ticket stubs from historic events, one being from the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912, adding yet another layer of allure for history buffs and sports fans alike. Scheduled for a live virtual webcast on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM on the Paul McInnis website, the event invites global participation. With over 500 lots to contend for, the promise of adding a significant piece to personal collections has never been more enticing.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a lover of vintage Americana, or someone passionate about supporting education through unique means, this auction promises not just memorabilia, but priceless artifacts that tell the compelling story of baseball and more, woven through the fabric of American history. Bidders may come for the love of the game or the allure of rare collectibles, but they’ll stay for the exceptional opportunity to change lives through education. Lace up your bidding shoes and mark your calendars—this is one event you do not want to miss!
