RMY Auctions’ latest offering is like gazing at a bygone era through a kaleidoscopic lens. Their May catalog is an intricately assembled collection of over 900 historical photographs, going up for auction. These snapshots act as the timekeepers for pivotal junctures in sports and entertainment, opening the door to the visually encapsulating past, which continues to echo in our present.
The crown jewels of the auction house are photographs of towering baseball figures, Satchel Paige and Bob Feller, frozen in time in the grayscale charm of 1948. The 7 x 8 ¾” image holds a special place of significance in sports history as it was used to create Paige’s rookie card the following year—an iconic marker of Paige’s movement from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball with Cleveland.
The ensemble of curated photographs does not stop at Paige and Feller. Brace yourselves for a close encounter with a rare Type I original photograph of Paige donning the Kansas City Monarchs uniform. Now there’s a sight for sore eyes!
History-rich captures from over a century stand in line, from a silver gelatin masterpiece of a 23-year-old Jim Thorpe by George Grantham Bain in 1910, to a never-before-offered 1905 PC782 Rotograph real image postcard of Jack Chesbro. Showcased alongside, a 1934 image depicts Carl Hubbell, which was once used for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card.
No assortment of baseball legends would be complete without some tribute to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The auction highlights various candid captures of the duos, reminiscing moments like Ruth’s debut season with the Yankees in 1920 and a snapshot taken straight from the 1928 World Series plotline.
Moving away from monochrome memoirs, collectors with a thirst for relatively modern pieces can fulfill their palate with a 1972 photograph of Roberto Clemente’s triumphant 3000th career hit and Wilt Chamberlain basking in the glory of his record-breaking 100-point single game. Add to this mix some dynamic captures from Michael Jordan’s golden NBA timeline, portrayed through the lens of Chicago-based photographers.
Now for the whimsy lovers, RMY Auctions have reserved a special corner. There, amidst the galaxy of grandeur, a light-hearted photo depicts Joe DiMaggio in the Yankees clubhouse, and Ted Williams on a zebra ride. This lighthearted side adds a distinct fun factor to the otherwise history-heavy collection.
This elaborate narrative woven within the photographs beckons collectors and photography enthusiasts alike. It’s not every day that a single collection can bring an entire century’s tales, unfolding in crisp visual detail. Bidding has already commenced for this photographic journey through time, with the auction’s concluding act set for May 11. So, time-travellers, grab your chance to orate history through these visual artefacts.
