A collection of contact proofs and original photos used for the creation of some well-known vintage cards, including Jim Brown’s 1958 Topps rookie and Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Bowman card are among the top items in Huggins & Scott’s Summer Premier Auction.
The 4×5” Type 1 contact proof photo of Brown was taken during his 1957 rookie season in Cleveland Browns training camp. The photographer who captured, developed and printed Brown’s rookie photo was legendary Cleveland photographer Henry M. Barr, who was in the first of his many seasons as the Browns’ official team photographer. Snapped during the team’s training camp at Hiram College in Ohio, the photo carries Barr’s stamp on the back.
Barr’s image of Ernie Davis, which became his 1962 Topps rookie card is also in the auction. The Syracuse star had been drafted to become Brown’s backfield mate but was tragically struck down by leukemia before his NFL career could get started.
Catching the most attention so far among the many original photos in the auction, though, is the Bill Jacobellis contact proof photo of Mickey Mantle that was used to create his 1952 Bowman card. The photo includes the background collectors don’t see when examining the cropped artwork that wound up in bubble gum packs. Bidding has already surpassed $15,000.
Among the other photos used for cards that are being offered is the image used to create Willie Mays’ 1952 Bowman card.
The third best 1894 Mayo Cut Plug football set on PSA’s Registry is among the top trading card lots in the sale, which also includes a near complete 1954 Bowman football box, an 1888-89 N173 Old Judge Cap Anson cabinet, a 1952 Topps Mantle (PSA Authentic), a 1967 Topps Roger Maris Yankees proof, a PSA 9 1951 Bowman Stan Musial, a 1972-73 Topps basketball wax box, a 1961-62 Salada hockey coin set and a 2001 Topps Heritage near complete master set.
As usual, the auction includes hundreds of complete and partial vintage sets and singles across all sports, highlighted by multiple 1951 Bowman offerings as well as many lots featuring modern inserts, certified autograph cards and other current era issues.
Single-signed Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb baseballs head up the autographed memorabilia in the auction which also features the second part of the Charles Evers collection, a Hughie Jennings photo, several NBA Finals programs, a 1955-56 Detroit Red Wings team-signed stick and puck, modern game-worn jerseys and a 1992-93 Chicago Bulls team-signed basketball.
The highest priced item in the auction comes from the gaming world, however: an ultra-rare 1999 Pokemon 1st Edition Limited Printing (English) unopened booster box. Bidding for the box has already reached $36,000.
Non-sports cards, Americana and Political, Music and Entertainment items are also part of the catalog. There’s a Web Gems section featuring items added to the sale after the auction catalog was printed.
To see the entire auction, register for bidding or to download a catalog, visit HugginsandScott.com. Bidding closes Thursday, August 9.
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