Heritage Auctions has unveiled a treasure trove of autographed photographs in its latest Icons Photography Auction, a collection set to tantalize sports card aficionados. One of the prized possessions up for grabs is a significant 1948 photo featuring basketball maestro George Mikan, mirroring his iconic 1948 Bowman rookie card. The 8×10 Type 1 photo captures Mikan in his element and is adorned with his signature in striking blue ink, with bidding poised to soar beyond the $20,000 mark.
The theme of signed vintage photos continues to enthrall bidders across the auction. A vintage late 1940s photograph of Cleveland Browns legend Otto Graham, identical to his 1950 Bowman Football rookie card, also boasts his signature, adding to the allure of the piece. Similarly, a 1949 autographed photo of Jackie Robinson, commemorating his receipt of the Silver Bat for clinching the National League batting title, a season in which he was also crowned MVP, stands out for its historical significance. This Type I photo, personalized to “Jeff,” holds particular sentimental value.
In a poignant display of history, another photo from 1957 captures Robinson as he clears out his locker at Ebbets Field upon bidding farewell to baseball. The poignant image features his Dodgers cap, home jersey, fielder’s glove, cleats, and equipment bag, alongside two bats, one notably belonging to the esteemed Gil Hodges. Anticipated to draw substantial bidding interest, this piece is forecasted to command bids upwards of $10,000.
Adding to the allure of the collection is a photograph that served as the basis for Willie Mays’ renowned 1952 Topps card, embellished with Mays’ signature on the front, believed to have been penned in the 1990s.
The online catalog showcases over 150 vintage images, with some harking back over a century in time. Noteworthy among the collection is a photograph from the 1919 World Series capturing a momentous handshake between Black Sox pitcher Eddie Cicotte and Reds’ starter Dutch Reuther before the calamitous game at Redland Field in Cincinnati. This historic image, complete with its original paper caption and stamps on the back, is poised to ignite bidding wars starting at $8,000.
Further standout pieces include rookie photographs of sports luminaries such as Hank Aaron (1954), Jack Nicklaus (1962), and Pete Maravich (1970), all contributing to the rich tapestry of sports history immortalized through the art of photography. The assortment of images also includes various snapshots of legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and other pre-war sports icons, enriching the auction with their timeless appeal.
The auction, a celebration of sports legacy preserved through the lens of photography, is scheduled to run until June 13. Collectors and enthusiasts are presented with a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of sporting heritage, as each photo encapsulates a moment in time that resonates with the nostalgia and reverence for the icons of yesteryears.
