Picture it: North Hampton, New Hampshire, a quaint town not usually buzzing with the high stakes of an auction block. However, come May 2024, this peaceful locale will transform into a treasure trove of nostalgia and excitement as it hosts the Paul McInnis Auction featuring the Harry W. O’Brien Collection. This isn’t just any collection—it’s a carefully curated museum of pre-war baseball history, all set to strike the hammer for a heartwarming cause: funding scholarships for the bright minds at the University of New Hampshire.
Harry W. O’Brien, a local hero of Manchester, spent his life amassing some of the most astonishing artifacts from baseball’s golden epoch. Now, this collection is stepping out of the shadows of a private collection to take center stage at an auction that hopes to hit a home run for higher education.
The lineup is nothing short of spectacular. The event showcases a dazzling array of over 300 T206 baseball cards, including 48 Hall of Famers. Imagine owning a piece of history with a card from Christie Mathewson or Cy Young! But it doesn’t stop there. The sets extend to the 1911 T201 Mecca Folders and 80 Goudey cards from the thrilling ’30s, featuring none other than Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. For those who favor a twist in their collectibles, there are also 19 4-in-1 Exhibit cards that picture Ruth and Gehrig together, a dream duo for any enthusiast.
Besides baseball, this auction packs a punch with 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards showcasing legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson. And for those who lean towards capes and superheroes, you’ll find pristine 1940s comics headlined by Superman and Batman, promising to draw in fans of the fantastical.
Now, let’s chat about the venue. Paul McInnis Auctioneer, a veteran in showcasing unique and valuable collections, is setting up an online haven for this event. With pre-bidding already open, the crescendo will build until the climax on the morning of May 4, 2024, when the main event will unfold through a live virtual webcast. This format not only reaches local aficionados but can also entice global collectors to partake from the comfort of their homes.
For the tactile enthusiasts and the historically inclined, there will be rare ticket stubs up for grabs, including one from the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912. Can you imagine holding a piece of that iconic day? Over 500 lots will be available, each with a story to tell and a mission to fulfill: funding future generations through the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.
Paul McInnis himself articulated the significance, not just of the auction’s charitable goal, but of the rare opportunity it presents to collectors. Many items, preserved in pristine condition, are first-time features at an auction, untouched by the commercial hands of public trade until now. This event isn’t just an auction; it’s an inauguration into the past, a gathering of history buffs, baseball fans, and philanthropists.
Aside from its historical and collectible appeal, this auction stands as a testament to the altruistic spirit of the community around the University of New Hampshire. Every bid placed is a step toward enabling bright young minds to pursue their educational dreams without financial burdens. It’s a powerful swing at making a difference, one lot at a time.
This May, when the virtual gavel goes up, not only will bidders be claiming their own piece of history, but they’ll also be laying down foundations for a brighter future. The Harry W. O’Brien collection at the Paul McInnis Auction is not just about what you’re betting on; it’s about what you believe in: sports, stories, and scholarships.