Step up to the plate baseball enthusiasts and philanthropists alike! The auction block at Paul McInnis Auctioneers in North Hampton, NH is warming up for an extraordinary event that merges the thrill of collecting with the altruism of education. On the roster is the Harry W. O’Brien Collection, an extensive treasure trove of pre-war baseball memorabilia, whose proceeds are destined to bolster the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund.

Harry W. O’Brien, a Manchester native, and his father, Daniel, have curated a collection not just rich in variety but steeped in history. Daniel, who served in both World Wars, began collecting these treasures which Harry later expanded into what will be offered at this distinguished auction. Imagine the dusty dugouts, the crack of the bat, the roars of pre-war crowds; this collection springs from those very echelons of American sports history.

A highlight reel of this collection would dazzle any collector. Featured are over 300 T206 cards that include pantheon names like Christie Mathewson and Cy Young. Dive deeper into the cardboard chronicles and you’ll find the 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders and 80 vibrant Goudey cards from the 1930s, parading legends such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Not to be overlooked, the Philadelphia Caramels cards, 19 stunning 4-in-1 Exhibit cards, and the rare 1930s George C Miller issues promise to round the bases of this historic collection.

Shifting from the diamond to the ring, the auction also boasts 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards, with heavyweight champion Jack Johnson leading the lineup. What’s more, this collection isn’t just about sports. It branches out into vintage non-sports cards and high-grade 1940s comics featuring Superman and Batman, ensuring there’s a bit of something for everyone, whether you’re a sports fanatic or a comic book enthusiast.

Paul McInnis himself has emphasized the pristine condition and rarity of these collectibles. Many of the items, encapsulated and preserved, are stepping out into the auction spotlight for their first time, promising a whirlwind of excitement and spirited bidding.

But wait, there’s more! Among the over 500 lots, one can also find rare ticket stubs from monumental events, including one from the inaugural game at Fenway Park in 1912. Such items carry with them not just historical value but emotional resonance, appealing to collectors who cherish both the joy of fandom and the aura of bygone eras.

This auction isn’t just about what’s up for grabs; it’s about what these items represent. Each card, each stub, each comic book is a portal to the past, and each bid a stepping stone towards the future of students who will benefit from the scholarship fund. It is a heartwarming meld of nostalgia and forward-thinking.

The heat of this auction action will culminate in a live virtual webcast on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM via the Paul McInnis website. Pre-bidding is currently open, letting early birds get a jump on their desired lots. This not only promises to be a day filled with fervent bidding but also a chance to own a piece of sports history while contributing to a noble cause—the education of future leaders.

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