As the auctioneer’s hammer prepares to swing this May at RMY Auctions, history is poised on its edge, encapsulated in over 900 extraordinary photographs. This isn’t just a snapshot, this is a layered visual compendium comprising a hundred years of sporting legends, entertainment icons, and news that moved nations.

Right from the animation of the baseball diamond, to the electrifying energy of the NBA courts, all the way up to whimsical oddities of star-studded entertainment, the auction deftly captures rare and pivotal moments. One of the most distinctive pieces is a black and white photograph taken in 1948, capturing two baseball titans – Satchel Paige and Bob Feller. Measuring 7 x 8 ¾” in dimensions, this image transcends its status as a photograph, having birthed Paige’s standout rookie card by Leaf in 1949, post his consequential transition from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with the Cleveland club.

Complementing this historic image is a rare, original Type I photograph featuring Paige in full sporting flair while playing for the Kansas City Monarchs. From the engaging wit of sports to the captivating allure of entertainment, the May event swoops its lens across epochs with versatility. A 1910 silver gelatin image of a then 23-year-old Jim Thorpe, snapped by George Grantham Bain, is another jewel adorning the auction trove, adding more historical richness to the collection.

Amongst the wide net of remarkable shots, the 1905 PC782 Rotograph real photo postcard of baseball superstar Jack Chesbro, and a 1934 photo of Carl Hubbell, the muse for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card, stand out. Additional visual treats include snapshots of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, including Ruth’s 1920 maiden season with the Yankees and an intense scene from the 1928 World Series.

For those partial to the contemporary, the collection also houses a 1972 capture of Roberto Clemente marking his 3000th career hit, alongside a monumental picture of Wilt Chamberlain basking in his record 100-point game triumph. Sports enthusiasts will also relish the selection featuring Michael Jordan during his NBA heyday, captured by Chicago-area photographers.

Taking a tongue-in-cheek diversion from the game’s intensity, the auction also includes a quirky click of Joe DiMaggio in the Yankees clubhouse and Ted Williams atop a zebra. This vibrant, eclectic sweep of the auction, spliced with sports charisma and entertainment whimsy, offers a panoramic portrayal of the 20th century. It invites collectors of historical artifacts and passionate photographers to dive into a visual voyage of the past. The time frame for bidding on these exquisite pieces doesn’t stretch indefinitely; interested parties have until May 11 to place their stakes. The swing of the auctioneer’s hammer is destined to be as captivating as these unique historical images themselves.

Source