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A remarkable collection of memorabilia from Christy Mathewson, one of baseball's legendary figures, is now available through Hunt Auctions. This collection, which encompasses over 120 items, includes photographs, personal letters, and even the U.S. Army gear that played a part in his premature death at age 45. Initially donated to Keystone College by Mathewson’s wife, Jane, in 1967, these items are being auctioned for the first time, each accompanied by a certificate of provenance from the Mathewson Collection.

Christy Mathewson, who began his athletic career at Keystone before excelling at Bucknell University, is remembered not only for his athletic prowess in football, basketball, and baseball but also for his integrity and sportsmanship during his Major League tenure. With the Giants, he secured 373 wins, over 2,500 strikeouts, and maintained an ERA of 2.13. His illustrious career took a turn when he served in World War I, where an accident during a chemical warfare training exercise exposed him to nerve gas, leading to health complications and his eventual death in 1925.

Among the standout items at the auction is a framed cabinet photo by Carl Horner, dating back to 1904, which could fetch between $50,000 and $100,000. Other photographs include an oversized photo displayed on one of his T206 baseball cards, a team photo from his time with the 1900 Norfolk Phenoms, and a large format signed photo expected to sell for $25,000-$50,000.

Significant military memorabilia from his service are also up for grabs, including his U.S. Army doughboy jacket, with bids potentially exceeding $25,000, and his footlocker marked with “Capt. Christy Mathewson,” alongside other items like his map case and officer’s hat, which bear his handwritten identification.

David Hunt, President of Hunt Auctions, expressed the significance of this auction, stating, “Christy Mathewson is one of the most prominent names in the history of baseball, and we are humbled to present such an important archive of materials. The Mathewson Collection may well be the most significant grouping of its type to have ever been presented to the collecting public, particularly noting the scarcity of players from the Deadball Era.”

The auction also features a handwritten letter Mathewson sent to a young fan, estimated to bring in $10,000-$15,000. Mathewson’s humility and dedication to influencing young fans with positive values are evident in his personal reflections and interactions.

This auction, which will conclude with a live finale on June 4, offers collectors and baseball enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a piece of sports history directly linked to one of baseball’s greats.