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Hundreds of pre-War baseball tobacco and gum cards, recently discovered, are set to make their auction debut through Paul McInnis Auctioneer based in North Hampton, NH. The proceeds from the auction will support college students via the University of New Hampshire Scholarship Fund. The Harry W. O’Brien Collection, named after a lifelong Manchester, NH, resident whose father accumulated the early items during and between the World Wars, also features valuable vintage comic books, coins, and assorted memorabilia.

Harry O'Brien, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 94, had expanded the collection initiated by his father, Daniel O’Brien. The collection boasts a remarkable array of 300 cards from the T206 series, including cards of 48 Hall of Fame players such as Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Tris Speaker, and Nap Lajoie. Additionally, the collection includes a T205 Gold Border Mathewson, a complete set of 1911 T201 Mecca Folders, 80 Goudey cards from the 1930s featuring Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a selection of Philadelphia Caramels cards featuring legends like Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner.

Among other items, the auction will offer 1910 T218 Mecca boxing cards, including those of heavyweight Jack Johnson, along with vintage non-sports cards, all graded by SGC. Some cards will be auctioned individually, while others will be sold in lots.

McInnis highlighted the collection’s significance due to its age, condition, and rarity, noting that these items have never been on the market since their original purchase. The collection also includes vintage 1940s comics featuring Superman and Batman, which have been well-preserved and are expected to fetch high bids.

Additional finds include five rare ticket stubs from significant historical events, including the first official game at Fenway Park in 1912. The auction is set to include over 500 lots, with pre-bidding already open. A live virtual webcast of the auctionis scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM, accessible through the Paul McInnis website.