The worlds of baseball nostalgia and scholarship funding are about to converge spectacularly in a little town called North Hampton, New Hampshire. There, amidst the sleepy streets and quaint New England charm, lies an epic collection that will soon be at the center of what promises to be a high-energy gathering. Thanks to Paul McInnis Auctioneers, countless vintage treasures, once guarded by the late Harry W. O’Brien of Manchester, NH, are set to find new homes through a benevolent auction aimed at fueling academic dreams at the University of New Hampshire.
The backstory of the items on the auction block is as captivating as the items themselves. This cache, lovingly known as the Harry W. O’Brien Collection, began with Daniel O’Brien, Harry’s father, who collected these gems while serving in both World War I and World War II. His profound love for baseball and culture resulted in a treasure trove that includes more than just baseball memorabilia; it’s a snapshot of an era long passed.
For starters, any self-respecting collector of baseball memorabilia would drool over the lineup set for bidding. The crown jewels of this collection are undoubtedly the 300 T206 tobacco cards that include portraits of 48 Hall of Famers like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. These cards are steeped in history, having been issued between 1909 and 1911, and represent the golden age of baseball in its early, rough-and-tumble days.
Not to be outdone by these vintage titans are the 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders, complete sets that fold over to showcase two players per card—an innovation at the time. This series is among the earliest multi-player sports cards and featured stars in their prime. And let’s not skim over the 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s, with giants like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig looking stern and ready to swing.
If that isn’t enough to whet the appetite, this auction also flaunts an array of Philadelphia Caramels cards, 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards again starring Ruth and Gehrig, and a unique set from the ambiguous 1930s issues of George C. Miller—a challenging find for any collector.
The golden offering doesn’t end with baseball. The non-sporting sector of the collection is robust, featuring 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards with the infamous Jack Johnson, and a plethora of vintage non-sports cards that reflect the cultural fascinations of bygone generations. These items have all been scrupulously graded, primarily by SGC, ensuring bidders know the pedigree of the items they are potentially bringing home.
The allure of this auction does not cease with cardboard collectibles. Paul McInnis noted that high-grade 1940s comics, some featuring cultural icons like Superman and Batman, will be part of the catalog, undoubtedly drawing comic enthusiasts to join baseball collectors in this unique bidding war.
What might catch the eye of historical buffs and sports enthusiasts alike, however, are the rare ticket stubs from seminal events, even including one from the first-ever game at Fenway Park in 1912. Imagine owning a piece of such a storied sporting cathedral’s history—every crease and tear telling a tale of early 20th-century baseball fandom.
This event isn’t just a collector’s paradise; it’s an opportunity to support future generations. Every dollar raised from the auction will head directly into scholarship funds at the University of New Hampshire, making this event not only a chance to own a piece of history but to make some too, by investing in the future.
So mark your calendars for May 4, 2024. The auction will be held live via a virtual webcast at 11:00 AM on the Paul McInnis website. Bidding is already open for those eager to get a jump on their fellow collectors. This may be your chance to score not just incredible memorabilia, but also help pave the way for future scholars—a double play any philanthropist would be proud of.
