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Sports Memorabilia

Sports memorabilia, vintage sporting equipment, trading cards, and notable auction results.

Vintage Wooden Golf Clubs Are Growing in Value—Prices Are Up Over 150%

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Three vintage wooden golf club heads with amber wood grain and red face inserts against a charcoal background.

Forget clearing out the garage without a second look—that old set of wooden-headed golf clubs gathering dust in your attic might be sitting on a goldmine. Bitten by nostalgia, collectors and golf enthusiasts are eager to reconnect with the sport’s golden eras, driving the value of well-preserved vintage clubs up by over 150% in recent years. From classic American-made Wilsons to historic Japanese-crafted Yonex sets, equipment once dismissed as obsolete technology is now being re-evaluated as valuable, elegant heritage. Before you throw away yesterday’s unwanted gear, taking a closer look at its condition and craftsmanship could reveal a prized piece of sporting history worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

Boston Red Sox Memorabilia Hits It Out of the Park as Lucchino’s Baseball Collection Brings in $740K

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A piece of Red Sox history just sold for six figures—can you guess what it was? The late Larry Lucchino’s legendary memorabilia collection shattered expectations at Bonhams Skinner, with items from the curse-breaking 2004 World Series fetching jaw-dropping prices. From the Commissioner’s Trophy selling for an astounding $165,000 to a pair of old Fenway seats commanding 21 times their estimate, passionate bidding proved that Red Sox Nation is as strong as ever. But that’s just the beginning—some of the biggest surprises came from unexpected items. Read on to see the full list of record-breaking sales!

Cricket Legend Sir Donald Bradman’s ‘Baggy Green’ Cap Sells for $310,000 USD at Auction

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A baggy green cricket cap worn by Sir Donald Bradman during the 1947-48 Test series against India, a season marking significant milestones in cricket history, has sold for AU$479,700 ($310,719 USD) at a Bonhams Sydney auction. This iconic piece of memorabilia, tied to Bradman’s record-breaking career and a pivotal moment in Australia’s cricketing heritage, was purchased by a private collector who plans to keep it within the country. The sale highlights the enduring global fascination with Bradman, whose unmatched batting average of 99.94 cements his legacy as the greatest cricketer of all time.

Football Legend Lionel Messi’s Napkin Sold for Nearly $1,000,000

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A pivotal document in football history, the napkin on which the first promise of a contract was written to secure 13-year-old Lionel Messi for FC Barcelona, sold for £762,000 ($964,000) at Bonhams in an online auction that was held this May 17, 2024. The auction began with a starting price of £300,000 ($380,000). This napkin significantly impacted both the club and Messi, who went on to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. The original napkin, written in blue ink, was offered by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli.

Babe Ruth Rookie Card Fetches Record-Breaking $762,500 at Bonhams Auction

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In New York, during Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts sale on April 10, a significant highlight emerged as a rare Gimbels Department Store version of the M101-4 1916 Babe Ruth Rookie Card fetched an impressive $762,500, surpassing its initial estimate. This particular card, renowned as one of the most sought-after trading cards in existence, carries historical significance dating back over a century.

Football Legend Lionel Messi’s Historic Napkin Up for Auction at Bonhams, Starting at £300,000

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One of the most pivotal documents in the history of football (soccer) is the famous and unique napkin on which the first promise of a contract was written to secure 13-year-old Lionel Messi for FC Barcelona. It changed the fortunes of both the club and Messi himself, who went on to become one of the greatest players of all time. The original napkin in blue ink is being offered at Bonhams on behalf of Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli in an online auction running from March 18 to March 27. The starting price is £300,000 ($380,000 US).

Max Verstappen’s Championship-Winning F1 Race Suit to be Sold by Bonhams for Red Bull Charity Auction

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The dark blue Oracle Red Bull Racing overalls worn by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen over the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weekend will be offered in the Bonhams | Cars Abu Dhabi Auction Online from 17 – 30 November. Driving his Red Bull RB19, Verstappen finished in 1st position at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weekend in Zandvoort, in front of his home crowd, marking his 46th Grand Prix race victory. Signed by the World Champion with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula One Team, and estimated at £60,000 – £70,000, the overalls will be sold to benefit Red Bull’s Wings for Life charity. Verstappen is only the fifth driver in the sport’s history to win three consecutive championships, as well as joining an elite club of drivers who have won three or more World Championships.

T206 Honus Wagner – One of the Rarest Baseball Cards in Existence

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Honus Wagner, also known as “The Flying Dutchman” was a professional baseball player who played shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1897 to 1917. He is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time and was one of the first five players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937. Off the field, Wagner was known for his humility and sportsmanship. He was respected by both teammates and opponents for his gentlemanly behavior and fair play.

One of the most interesting facts about Wagner is that he was the first baseball player to have his own baseball card. The T206 Honus Wagner baseball card is considered to be one of the most valuable and rarest cards in existence.

PIGUET GREAT AUCTION: From Fine Art & Jewellery to Ferrari Memorabilia and more! Total $5 – 7.5 Million

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PRESS RELEASE – Geneva, 4 June, 2022

PIGUET is pleased to organize a Great Auction of:

Fine jewellery in aid of supporting young designers

Botero, Degas, Giacometti, Picabia celebrating the female figure

The incredible Charles-Edouard Duflon collection reflecting his unusual character

First Ferrari Memorabilia sale

The Château Le Rosey library of rare books and much more!