In a fascinating coming-together of history and nostalgia, RMY Auctions’ May event promises an enthralling collection of over 900 historical photographs. Showcasing significant moments from sports and entertainment, the auction evokes a treasure trove of the past century brought to life.
One of the jewels of the collection is a noteworthy black and white photograph from 1948. This photograph paints a historical meeting between two baseball legends, Satchel Paige and Bob Feller. What sets this 7 x 8 ¾ inch image apart, however, is its importance in the release of Paige’s highly valued rookie card by Leaf in 1949, following his groundbreaking shift from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
The auction embraces more than just one historic moment of Paige – a rare Type I original photograph shows him in his heyday with the Kansas City Monarchs. Alongside Paige, a 1910 silver gelatin image of a young, 23-year-old Jim Thorpe stands out. This photo, taken by George Grantham Bain, intensifies the historical allure of the collection.
The collection does not shy away from basketball’s legends either, such as the momentous capture of Wilt Chamberlain following his record-setting 100th point in a single game. Modern voices from the court are heard too in vibrant stills from Michael Jordan’s peak NBA years, courtesy of Chicago area photographers.
The entertainment realm is not forgotten with whimsical additions like Ted Williams riding a zebra, a picture that leaps out from the pile as it screams irreplaceable eccentricity.
Now let’s wander back to the baseball field we shall find a first-time offering: a 1905 PC782 Rotograph real photo postcard of Jack Chesbro, a star from the earliest days of the 20th century. In another frame, you spot Carl Hubbell captured in 1934, which was used for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card. With so much to explore, the collection dives across eras and into the intriguing corners of the sporting world.
The whole collection is underpinned by the pulse of history. Never is this clearer than in the pictures of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, the visible strings stretching back to Ruth’s first season with the Yankees in 1920 and a charged snap from the 1928 World Series.
Riding the wave of modern memorabilia are items like a 1972 photo of Roberto Clemente making his 3000th career hit. This photographic time capsule gives us a panoramic view of the past century. The vibrancy and variety of the collection are sure to charm collectors of historical memorabilia and photography enthusiasts alike.
The excitement is building and the bids are flying; the auction is currently live, with the final day set on May 11. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to add a slice of history to your collection with these remarkable snaps from RMY Auctions’ May.
