Picture this: an eclectic collection of baseball history, ranging from the turn of the 20th century to the pre-war era, all ready to find new homes while funding the futures of university students. This isn’t just any auction; this is the Paul McInnis showcase of the comprehensive Harry W. O’Brien Collection, a treasure trove of baseball memorabilia and historic comics soon to be up for grabs in North Hampton, New Hampshire. The stage is set for an event that not only promises a walk down memory lane but also supports a noble cause – the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.
Harry W. O’Brien, a Manchester native, spent decades alongside his father, Daniel, gathering an enviable assemblage of baseball cards, comics, and memorabilia. Daniel, whose collection hustle spanned through his service times in both World Wars, initiated this remarkable collection. Now, under the gavel of Paul McInnis Auctioneer, these items are prepared to spark bids and ignite the hearts of collectors and philanthropists alike.
Imagine getting your hands on one of the 300 T206 cards, the ‘white border’ beauties featuring baseball legends like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. Or consider the thrill of owning a piece of the 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders, an artifact from baseball’s tobacco card era. The auction doesn’t stop at baseball; it steps up to the plate with 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s that star Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. With every card, whether it’s from the sweet caramel era of Philadelphia Caramels or the rare 1930s George C. Miller issues, there’s a story, a snippet of sports history waiting to be preserved and appreciated anew.
But the intrigue amplifies with the inclusion of 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards, with heavyweight champion Jack Johnson leading the lineup. The sports collection segues into a dash of entertainment with a colorful variety of vintage non-sports cards, tempting not just the sports aficionado but also the eclectic collector.
The O’Brien collection also dabbles in the superhero realm with high-grade 1940s comics featuring none other than Superman and Batman. These comics, pristine in condition and colossal in cultural impact, are poised to be a knockout at the auction. Such items do more than just fill a collector’s shelf; they offer a glimpse into the golden age of comics, resonating with fans and historians alike.
In addition to these, imagine the allure of rare ticket stubs, including one from the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912, beckoning historians and baseball fans to own a fragment of sports history. With over 500 lots available, the auction is less of an event and more of a festival, celebrating the legacy of sports, entertainment, and collectibles.
Each item at the auction has been professionally graded, ensuring that bidders know the quality and authenticity of their potential acquisitions. Interested parties can currently engage in pre-bidding, but the crescendo of this symphony of memorabilia will be the live virtual webcast scheduled for a sunny Saturday morning on May 4, 2024. At 11:00 AM, history will be made on the Paul McInnis website as each lot finds a new home, and scholarship funds swell to support the dreams of university students.
This auction isn’t just about the thrill of the bid or the clasp of a rare card. It’s about legacy—both in preserving the fantastical histories embedded in each item and in building the future through education. As these collectibles pass from one generation to another, they carry with them stories of yesteryears and hopes for tomorrow. For collectors and benefactors, this event promises not only a dynamic assortment of memorabilia but an opportunity to be part of a greater good, turning passions into pathways for aspiring scholars.
