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This Auction catalog showcases a diverse and meticulously curated collection of rare and valuable items spanning multiple categories. It features a rich assortment of antique books, historic memorabilia, vintage maps, and ephemera, appealing to collectors with varied interests. Bibliophiles will appreciate notable entries such as the 1888 Biblical Antiquities by Edwin Cone Bissell and an early 20th-century illustrated edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. The catalog also includes intriguing Civil War relics, maritime-themed volumes, and 19th-century maps depicting Connecticut counties. Among the highlights are rare lithographs, such as a 16th- or 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Mont Saint-Michel, and Victorian-era books with preserved, ornate bindings. Each item comes with detailed descriptions to help bidders assess its historical and cultural value, making this collection a fascinating journey through history and heritage.
The catalog is particularly exciting for sports historians and baseball enthusiasts, with an exceptional selection of early baseball memorabilia. Highlights include the 1894 Peck & Snyder catalog, a cornerstone of sports marketing history, and a cabinet card of Joseph Nicholas Flynn, a professional player from 1884. Rare items like a 19th-century baseball trade card and a National League schedule booklet offer unique insights into baseball’s formative years. Additionally, a 1954 broadside lists the American and National League schedules, including details of that year’s All-Star Game, adding a mid-20th-century perspective. Completing the baseball collection is a cabinet card of Frank B. Sheridan, an early New York City player. Together, these items paint a vivid picture of the sport’s early evolution, celebrating its historical significance and cultural impact.