Picture this – an auction house brimming with pivotal moments, frozen in time and now up for grabs to the highest bidder. This isn’t a metaphorical concept but quite literally the focal point of RMY Auctions’ latest foray into historical photography. This May, they are offering an eclectic collection that is as rare as it is mesmerizing, capturing distinctive moments from the annals of sports and entertainment history.
The standout snapshot in this constellation of collectibles is a definitive black and white photograph that harkens back to 1948. It features two behemoths of baseball lore, Satchel Paige and Bob Feller, sizing each other up on the field. Honoring its importance, this 7 x 8 ¾” image was once used to produce Paige’s highly prized rookie card by Leaf in 1949, after Paige’s milestone transition from the Negro Leagues into Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
The excitement doesn’t end there, however. Among the auction catalog is another Paige rarity – a Type I original photograph depicting him in the heat of an action-packed play for the Kansas City Monarchs. This plethora of paraphernalia, boasting more than 900 treasures, stretches across an entire century of photography from the domains of sports, news, and entertainment; many of these photographs making their public debut.
Adding more layers to this historical treasure trove, a 1910 image of a freewheeling Jim Thorpe in his youthful 23-year-old glory adds a sepia-toned slice of history to the collection. Shot by none other than George Grantham Bain, this silver gelatin photograph is a nod to the sportsmanship of yesteryears.
This photograph armada brings aboard other marquee moments. For instance, the light of day will finally shine on a 1905 PC782 Rotograph real photo postcard of Jack Chesbro, an early 20th-century baseball titan. Accompanying this is a 1934 photograph of Carl Hubbell, used for the making of his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card. Photographic journeys into yesteryears also embrace several shots of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, immortalizing moments from Ruth’s maiden season with the Yankees in 1920 and a gripping scene from the 1928 World Series.
For those inspired by more recent past, they can indulge in a 1972 photo of Roberto Clemente marking his 3000th career hit and a dramatic shot of Wilt Chamberlain celebrating his unprecedented 100-point score in a single game. There are also vivid documentation of Michael Jordan’s golden run in NBA, as seen through the insightful lenses of Chicago area photographers.
The collection extends beyond athletes posing with trophies. It embraces the unique and gives a nod to the whimsical. A sneak peek into Joe DiMaggio in the Yankees clubhouse, Ted Williams riding a zebra, and other odd bits of candid history add an unconventional charm to the auction’s repertoire.
The vast collection offers a panoramic glimpse into the 20th century, speaking to collectors of historical memorabilia and photography nerds alike. As history goes up on the auction block, the final day for bidding is set for May 11. And with the unfolding auction, it seems like history is indeed priceless.
