The scent of historical significance is in the air, or maybe that’s just old baseball cards and vintage comics revealing stories from the dusty shelves of Harry W. O’Brien—one of the remarkable private collections set to make a grand entrance at the auction stage courtesy of Paul McInnis Auctioneer. This eclectic ensemble, prominently featuring pre-war baseball memorabilia, is not just a feast for the collectors’ eye but a heartfelt nod to educational philanthropy.
Scheduled to unfold in North Hampton, New Hampshire, this auction promises more than just a regular sale; it breathes life into Harry W. O’Brien’s legacy while fueling futures through the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund. Every lot hammering down will contribute to empowering education, proving once again that sometimes, giving can be as delightful as acquiring rare collectibles.
The Harry W. O’Brien Collection surfaced from the depths of historical treasure troves kept by Daniel O’Brien during his poignant times in both World Wars. The prized possession of an extensive array of pre-war era baseball tobacco and gum cards pairs splendidly with handpicked vintage comics, sketching a narrative far beyond mere entertainment or sport.
Distinguished pieces from the collection could very well apply for ‘historical landmark’ status. Picture this: 300 T206 cards containing the faces of 48 baseball Hall of Famers like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. The set doesn’t stop there; it churns through history with a complete 1911 T201 Mecca Folders and proudly parades 80 Goudey cards from the rain-soaked 1930s with legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig standing tall among them. Delving deeper, one finds Philadelphia Caramels cards and 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards all featuring old baseball bigwigs, not to mention the elusive 1930s George C Miller issue items.
Apart from the baseball whispers, the collection throws a jab with 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards that spotlight legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson. But wait, there’s more! In an offbeat sprint from the diamond, a rich assortment of vintage non-sports cards and high-grade 1940s comics featuring none other than Superman and Batman make their way into the mix, poised to grab attention.
Potential bidders and history aficionados might feel a sense of urgency tingling their nerves, knowing that these items stand immaculately preserved, holding whispers of the yesteryears, awaiting their debut sale. As if this wasn’t alluring enough, Paul McInnis brings an added level of exclusivity with rare ticket stubs from seminal events like the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912—the kind of artifact that makes even the most refined collectors’ hearts skip a beat.
Setting the stage for over 500 lots to find new homes, the action promises a wealth of opportunities for those enchanted by the ethos of eras gone by and the thrill of the auctioneer’s gavel. Pre-bidding has already sprung into action, fueling the auction fervor. The main spectacle is set for a live virtual webcast on a brisk Saturday morning, May 4, 2024, precisely at 11:00 AM. Afficionados and benevolent supporters can partake in this historical exchange via the Paul McInnis website, for an event marked not only by extraordinary lots but by extraordinary causes.
This auction is not merely a transaction; it’s an event where past grandeur meets future potential, where collectors score timeless treasures, and ambitious students find new horizons unlocked. It’s here that history’s most beloved pastimes pave the way to learning’s future—a beautiful game, indeed.
