Stepping into RMY Auctions’ latest event feels like walking through a vibrant gallery of 20th-century nostalgia. Their May special presents a treasure trove of over 900 photographs, each carrying a piece of sports and entertainment history. From baseball legends Satchel Paige and Bob Feller to the epic Michael Jordan’s prime NBA years, the auction’s wide spectrum of memorable moments enthralls history buffs and fanatic collectors alike.
Topping the standout list is a black and white photograph from the year 1948, featuring Paige and Feller in their athletic glory. Sized at a respectable 7 x 8 3/4″, this snapshot isn’t just your ordinary piece of fan merchandise. It held the honor of producing Paige’s most valuable rookie card by Leaf in 1949, after his landmark evolution from the Negro Leagues to the Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
But this isn’t the only spectacle in which Paige graces the spotlight. A rare Type I original photograph of Paige in action for the Kansas City Monarchs adds another layer of exclusivity to the collection.
Digging further into antiquity, a striking 1910 silver gelatin image of a 23-year-old Jim Thorpe, skillfully photographed by George Grantham Bain, paints a nostalgic portrait of early sports history.
The auction proves a gold mine for collectors with a penchant for baseball memorabilia. It unveils a 1905 PC782 Rotograph real photo postcard of Jack Chesbro, an early 20th-century baseball luminary, and a 1934 photograph of Carl Hubbell, famously used for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card.
Peering at the priceless photographs of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig is like opening a window to the past. The curated collection encapsulates unforgettable moments like Ruth’s first season with the Yankees in 1920 and a heart-stopping scene from the momentous 1928 World Series.
The RMY collection isn’t confined to the black-and-white eras of sports history. Among the more contemporary gems is a 1972 photo of Roberto Clemente marking his 3000th career hit. A significant capture of Wilt Chamberlain right after scoring his historic 100th point in a single game makes a grand appearance.
Venturing into whimsy, there’s a photograph of Joe DiMaggio chilling out in the Yankees clubhouse and Ted Williams riding a zebra. These playful additions are sure to stir interest among the eclectic collector crowd.
This May, RMY Auctions has created an invaluable time capsule that showcases a kaleidoscope of the 20th century. Whether it’s rarities from Satchel Paige’s career or vibrant shots from Michael Jordan’s prime years, there’s something for everyone. All this historical extravaganza is set to culminate with the final bidding day scheduled for May 11, potentially rewriting the sales history of such unique collectibles.
