Imagine stepping into a time machine, whirling back to the early 20th century, and emerging in a world where baseball legends roam the fields and vintage comics color the newsstands. Now, thanks to the upcoming Paul McInnis Auction, you don’t need a time machine to experience this nostalgia—just a winning bid.
At the heart of this extraordinary event lies the Harry W. O’Brien Collection, a meticulously amassed treasure trove that paints a portrait of baseball and popular culture from an era long passed but vividly remembered. This collection is a paean to the past, lovingly gathered first by Daniel O’Brien during his time serving in both World Wars and later expanded by his son, Harry, in Manchester, NH.
The auction promises a lineup that would make any collector’s heart race. With a roster boasting over 300 T206 tobacco cards including legends like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young, the magic of the diamond is palpable. Imagine holding the same card that might have been tucked into a fan’s coat pocket as they cheered in a dusty grandstand a century ago. The auction features 48 Hall of Famers, ensuring that the legacies of these baseball giants continue to inspire.
But it doesn’t stop there. Adding diversity and depth to this collection are the 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders and 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s, featuring none other than Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. These pieces serve not just as collectibles but as chapters of a narrative that shaped America’s pastime.
The array extends beyond the baseball field to the boxing ring with the 1910 T218 Mecca featuring Jack Johnson, and to fictional realms with high-grade 1940s comics starring Superman and Batman. These comics, icons of American culture, add a colorful contrast to the sepia tones of the tobacco cards, offering a glimpse into the entertainment of the era.
Furthermore, eclectic gems like rare ticket stubs, including one from the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912, weave historical significance into the collection. These stubs are not merely pieces of paper but passports to pivotal moments in sports history.
Every item in the O’Brien collection has been professionally graded and preserved, ensuring that they have survived the decades in stellar condition. Paul McInnis highlights the pristine state and rarity of these collectibles, stressing that many items will be available for public purchase for the first time. This auction isn’t just a sale; it’s an unveiling of history, piece by fascinating piece.
For those eager to partake in this event, pre-bidding is now open, setting the stage for the main attraction—a live virtual webcast scheduled for a sunny Saturday morning on May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Hosted on the Paul McInnis website, this auction is more than a chance to own a piece of history. It’s an opportunity to invest in the future through the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund. Every bid placed is a step towards helping a student achieve their academic dreams.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a baseball aficionado, or a lover of all things vintage, this auction promises not just memorabilia but memories, not just collectibles but chances—for both the keepers of history and the makers of the future. As the gavel readies to fall, it’s clear this isn’t just about winning bids—it’s about making a winning difference in students’ lives through the power of nostalgia and generosity.
