Baseball aficionados and comic book fanatics, mark your calendars! An auction like no other is on the horizon, where rare pre-war baseball memorabilia and vintage comics are poised to cross the auction block, all in the noble pursuit of funding scholarships. Tucked away in North Hampton, NH, Paul McInnis Auctioneer will roll out the red carpet for the Harry W. O’Brien Collection, an eclectic mix of collectibles originally gathered by a duo of generations that spanned the globe during tumultuous times.
Harry W. O’Brien, a stalwart of Manchester, NH, and his progenitor, Daniel O’Brien, a veteran of two world wars, spent their years assembling a treasure trove. What started as a personal hobby turned into a magnificent assemblage, bridging passions from the diamond field to the comic book realm. From the smell of worn leather mitts to the crinkling pages of yore, this collection captures the essence of a bygone era.
Leading the charge in this auction, a veritable feast for collectors, is an entourage of over 300 T206 cards, delighting the eyes with images of 48 Hall of Famers. Icons such as Christie Mathewson and Cy Young feature prominently, evoking images of dusty pitches and roaring crowds. Not to be outdone, a complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Folders promises to spark bidding wars, alongside 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s, home to legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Beyond the ballpark, the auction expands its reach to the sweet science with 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards. Among them, Jack Johnson — the galvanizing heavyweight champion — stands out, ready to jab at the hearts (and wallets) of enthusiasts. This eclectic mix does not stop at sports; vintage non-sports cards and high-grade 1940s comics featuring the likes of Superman and Batman are set to capture the imaginations of fans and collectors.
What makes these items truly extraordinary isn’t just their rarity or their mint condition, but their journey to the auction block. Many of these treasures have been cocooned away from the public eye, their stories whispered in shadows, only now ready to be told as they find new homes. But that’s not all. Imagine holding a piece of history with ticket stubs from the inaugural game at historic Fenway Park in 1912 — these too will find their way to new guardians.
In the words of Paul McInnis, the man behind the gavel, the auction is a symphony of the past, each lot playing its note in the grand concerto. The anticipation builds as each item is presented, a narrative wrapped in cardboard and ink, waiting to contribute to a grand cause — the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund. This noble endeavor aims to shepherd the next generation through the hallowed halls of academia, funded by the legacies of the past.
The stage is set for May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with a live virtual webcast that promises a day of fierce bidding and passionate participation. Pre-bidding is already open for those eager to get a jump on the competition. With over 500 lots up for grabs, the auction presents a unique opportunity not just to own a piece of history, but to pave the way for future scholars.
Imagine, as the final gavel falls, not only will new owners walk away with tangible pieces of the past, but they’ll also stand as contributors to a brighter future. It’s here, at the crossroads of passion and philanthropy, that history is both preserved and made, one bid at a time.
