Hake’s Auction #230 is serving as the homefield for the Paul Muchinsky Collection of sports pinbacks with a focus on baseball and boxing. Muchinsky, who got his first pinback button in 1958 at the World Series, was an authority on the hobby who shared his knowledge by writing two books, Baseball Pinback Buttons and Boxing Pinback Buttons. For this auction, Hake’s is swinging for the fences with nearly 200 lots of material from Muchinsky’s collection.

Leading off the lineup is the 1915 Schmelzer’s Sporting Goods Ty Cobb button. The rare 1-1/4” button has a photo image of Cobb under “Right Field” text combined with full color lithographic art. The back advertises the Kansas City, MO company, Schmelzer’s Sporting Goods. This is part of a 10-button set, 8 of which are in this auction.

The 1952 Mickey Mantle Fan Club real photo button is 1-1/2” with a portrait of the player. Considered the most desirable Mantle button, it was originally available for a short time by mail only to members of Mickey Mantle’s fan club.

Another exceptional lot is the circa 1947 Jackie Robinson “Hi Teammates” button. It is a 1-3/8” litho with photo images of the player and facsimile autograph and is the only example known to Hake’s.

Also seeking a grand slam is the 1916 Boston Red Sox American League/World’s Champions with Babe Ruth advertising button. Its 6-inch diameter makes it the largest baseball button made up to that point in history. It is also the only known example.

Additional highlights from the Muchinksy Collection include a very early 1896 Paterson Silk Sox Baseball Club button with Hall of Famers Honus Wagner and Ed Barrow, 1903 Boston Americans/Royal Rooters World Series real photo with Hall of Famer Cy Young, and 1915 Schmelzer’s Sporting Goods Joe Jackson/Center Field button.

Hake’s Auction #230 is open for bids at hakes.com now through Wednesday and Thursday, September 23-24, 2020.