A new entry into the sports memorabilia auction business has launched its first event. Gold Medal Auctions, based in the Toronto suburb of Vaughan, is offering over 400 lots including vintage hockey memorabilia and cards, a Babe Ruth autographed postcard, numerous old baseball programs and game-worn and game used items. The auction is set to conclude the night of February 20.
The auction platform may be new, but the company president is long-time hobby fixture Andrew Goldfarb of AJ Sportsworld while Mark Lee serves as Auction Director.
A one-of-a-kind scrapbook kept by former Toronto Maple Leafs owner Harold Ballard is among the featured items. Given to Ballard as a gift, the book includes a signed letter from former Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, invitations from Prime Ministers and Presidents, newspaper articles and more. Ballard was majority owner from 
February 1972 until his death in 1990.
Collectors of vintage hockey cards are bidding on a rare 1910-11 Sweet Caporal hockey postcard of Fred “Cyclone” Taylor graded PSA 6. Issued by Imperial Sweet Caporal, single star cards from this oversized series are scarce, especially in higher grades.
A game worn rookie jersey from a player who made a big impact on hockey—and collecting—in the 1990’s is also in the auction. A #88 Philadelphia Flyers sweater once donned by Eric Lindros and featuring the Stanley Cup 100th anniversary patch, headlines the game used pieces in the sale.
An autographed seat from the player who helped make Pittsburgh Penguins hockey an international event is up for bid. A large, bold signature from Mario Lemieux adorns the back of the gold seat, which features the Pens’ logo.
Baseball card collectors may think of the T206 set when they hear ‘Sweet Caporal’ but as late as 1949, the brand was associated with hockey and the auction includes an original 1949 Montreal Canadiens calendar featuring players on that team. There is also a 1948 Maple Leafs calendar sponsored by British Conroy Cigarettes.
A circa Baseball memorabilia collectors will see dozens of vintage items in the auction, topped by a Babe Ruth autographed postcard. The black and white image is signed at the top in fountain pen and registered in the PSA/DNA database.
Dozens of old publications including World Series and regular season programs from decades past are up for grabs including a 1956 Sports Illustrated autographed by Mickey Mantle and a 1969 Miracle Mets movie reel.
Items from basketball, boxing and other sports are also in the auction as well as a near mint non- sport set collection featuring the Beatles, and several hard to find TV show sets.
An original Iron man comic book graded 6.0 joins pieces from the entertainment world in rounding out the inaugural auction.
To register and view the items in the auction, visit GoldMedalAuctions.com.
