Over 40 original George Grantham Bain photographs dating back more than 100 years are among the top lots in RMY Auctions’ first catalog sale of 2018.
The legendary New York-based Bain was among the most prolific and important figures in early news photography. While he captured much more than baseball figures of the era, he has a large following among collectors who seek out his photos.
Tops among early bidding in the auction is a 1912 photo of Hall of Famer Tris Speaker, taken during the year in which he won the American League MVP award. The 4×5 image captures the Red Sox outfielder posing in the midst of a career that saw him amass 3,514 hits, compile a .345 lifetime average and win three World Series titles. Considered one of the finest offensive and defensive outfielders of all-time, Speaker still holds several MLB records.
Bain’s original photos are usually small, postcard or snapshot size, and easily identified by his name or ‘Bain New Service’ rubber stamped on back, often with the date. Many have the stamp or tags of the Culver News Service, a photo service that acquired his archives. –David Cyleback, SC Daily 2014
In all, the auction includes nearly 500 historic images from virtually all popular sports, along with dozens from the realms of history and entertainment.
The auction continues through February 3 at RMYAuctions.com.
Related Stories:
Photo of the Day: Matty Warms Up Before 1913 World Series
Photo of the Day: Greenberg Gets Gehrig
Photo of the Day: Stengel Checked Out in Brooklyn
Photo of the Day: Buck Weaver in 1919
Photo of the Day: Newly Retired Babe Signs for Caddies
Photo of the Day: Vince Lombardi on the Tackle
1927 Babe Ruth Photograph Part of RMY’s New Auction
Vintage Photo of the Day: Rookie Rizzuto
