In a testament to history and philanthropy intermingling, the Paul McInnis Auction in North Hampton, NH is all set to present a fascinating exploration into the bygone days of baseball through the extensive Harry W. O’Brien Collection. This auction isn’t just any event; it is a well-timed swing at supporting future educational endeavors, with all the collected funds earmarked for the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund. O’Brien, hailing from Manchester, NH, was heir to a treasure trove of memorabilia his father Daniel collected during his years serving in World Wars, making this auction not just a sale but a passage through personal and global history.
Scheduled for May 4, 2024, the auction represents a unique offering in the realm of collectibles—that of pre-war baseball cards from the tobacco and gum era, peppered with vintage comics that have seen the turn of many decades. The collection harbors more than just the usual—we are talking about rare gems such as 300 T206 cards, among which nestle the likenesses of 48 Hall of Famers like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. The 1911 T201 Mecca Folders complete set and a robust offering of 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s featuring titans such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig amplify the collection’s allure.
Those intrigued by the legacy of the Philadelphia Caramels or the George C Miller issues from the 1930s will find their curiosity satiated with the variety on display. Beyond baseball, the auction also steps into the ring with 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards that highlight the legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson, a name that resounds deeply in the corridors of sporting history.
The cache extends into the world of comics too with high-grade 1940s issues featuring none other than Superman and Batman, providing a cross-collectible appeal to enthusiasts of Americana and vintage pop culture. Imagine owning a piece of comic book history where these iconic characters furthered the American narrative in their illustrated adventures.
For the sports and history savants, there lie rare ticket stubs from seminal events such as the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912—a relic that would enthuse even the most discerning collector. These are not mere objects of nostalgia but snippets of cultural heritage that have witnessed pivotal moments in sports history.
Thanks to the magic of technology and the thoughtful organizing by Paul McInnis Auctioneer, the collection’s over 500 lots will reach worldwide bidders through a live virtual webcast. The pre-bidding phase is already setting the stage for what is to be an event packed with eager anticipation and competitive bidding. The sheer breadth and quality of the items, many of which have been professionally graded by SGC, will likely attract collectors and aficionados from every corner, each keen to claim a slice of history.
The auction promises more than just the thrill of acquisition—it is an opportunity to contribute to a future where education is accessible to more through the funds raised for scholarships. The Harry W. O’Brien collection is not only a portal to the past but also a beacon for future generations, proving once again that the love for sports and historical artifacts can also translate into tangible action towards societal benefit. This May, the Paul McInnis Auctioneer invites collectors and philanthropists alike to make their bids count for something beyond their personal collections—an investment in education through the power of auctioneering.
