Tag: Sports Memorabilia

Boston Red Sox Memorabilia Hits It Out of the Park as Lucchinoโ€™s Baseball Collection Brings in $740K

A piece of Red Sox history just sold for six figuresโ€”can you guess what it was? The late Larry Lucchinoโ€™s legendary memorabilia collection shattered expectations at Bonhams Skinner, with items from the curse-breaking 2004 World Series fetching jaw-dropping prices. From the Commissionerโ€™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 thatโ€™s just the beginningโ€”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

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 Bradmanโ€™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

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 ยฃ762,000 ($964,000) at Bonhams in an online auction that was held this May 17, 2024. The auction began with a starting price of ยฃ300,000 ($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

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.

Historic First-Ever Formula 1 Lotus Climax Type 12 Chassis โ€˜353โ€™ to be Sold for Nearly Half a Million in Monaco

Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques ร  Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis โ€˜353โ€™, estimated at โ‚ฌ290,000 โ€“ โ‚ฌ390,000 ($308,000 โ€“ $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.

$2,000,000 Hรคkkinen’s McLaren P1 Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) to be Auctioned in Monaco

Mika Hรคkkinen, the renowned two-time Formula 1 World Champion and McLaren Brand Ambassador, is set to offer a unique piece of automotive history to the wealthiest car collectors in the world. Bonhams|Cars will present Hรคkkinen’s 2013 McLaren P1 Coupรฉ Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) at The Monaco Sale ‘Les Grandes Marques ร  Monaco’. This event, scheduled for May 10, will witness the auctioning of this exceptional vehicle, making it the only Validation Prototype ever to grace such an occasion.

Football Legend Lionel Messi’s Historic Napkin Up for Auction at Bonhams, Starting at ยฃ300,000

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 ยฃ300,000 ($380,000 US).