A remarkable collection of historical images that chronicle paramount moments in sports and entertainment history comes up for bids at RMY Auctions’ upcoming May event. The showstopper of this collection is a black and white photograph showcasing baseball legends Satchel Paige and Bob Feller in their prime, circa 1948. This 7 x 8 ¾” photograph holds a significant place in baseball history as it graced Paige’s much sought-after rookie card, which was produced by Leaf in 1949 following his groundbreaking transition from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
The auction also boasts another rare gem: a Type I original snap of Paige donning the Kansas City Monarchs’ uniform. These photographs are nestled amongst over 900 other fascinating items, enfolding a hundred years of sports, news, and entertainment photography that have made their first public appearance in this auction. Apart from these, a distinct 1910 silver gelatin photograph portraying a young and tenacious 23-year-old Jim Thorpe, captured by George Grantham Bain, enhances the historical essence of the collection.
Some of the covetable lots include a 1905 PC782 Rotograph real photo postcard of Jack Chesbro, a baseball superstar at the turn of the century that has never hit the auction floor before, and a 1934 photograph revealing Carl Hubbell that later breathed life into his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card. Scenes from the golden days of baseball featuring living legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, verdant glimpses of Ruth’s debut season with the Yankees in 1920, and a striking scene from the 1928 World Series, also take center stage.
For aficionados with a taste for more recent history, a captivating image from 1972 shows Roberto Clemente achieving his 3000th career hit. Another momentous snapshot captures Wilt Chamberlain in the flush of his triumph post-scoring an unprecedented single-game record of 100 points. There are also vivid images from Michael Jordan’s prominent NBA years, captured by Chicago-based photographers.
To add a dash of whimsy to this repository of history, there is a photograph illustrating a jolly Joe DiMaggio within the confines of the Yankees clubhouse, and another showcasing Ted Williams atop a zebra. This assorted mix of rare photographs provides a sweeping view of the 20th century– a treasure trove for collectors of historical memorabilia and photography buffs alike. The auction is already underway and is set to conclude with a flourish on May 11. This collection, as varied and colourful as history itself, represents an absorbing visual chronicle of sports and entertainment’s past century.
