American Greats: Vintage Sports and Hollywood from the Dr. G.B. Espy Collection

On 22 October, Christie’s and Hunt Auctions are proud to present American Greats: Vintage Sports and Hollywood from the Dr G.B. Espy Collection, a celebration of sports and entertainment memorabilia. At the heart of the sale is an exceptional Lou Gehrig jersey, worn on his final day as a player at Yankee stadium.

Painstakingly collected over decades, Dr Espy’s collection represents a slice of American popular culture, filled with artifacts from heroes across eras. Important items from Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson and Ty Cobb sit alongside iconic pieces from the personal collections of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Clark Gable, Katharine Hepburn and Buddy Holly. Comprised of both live and online auctions, with estimates starting at US$100, this is a unique opportunity to acquire stories that have shaped culture, fame and America’s favorite pastime.

Dr Goodman Basil ‘G. B.’ Espy began his lifetime of collecting early, exploring his mother’s antique store. An avid athlete and sports lover, he initially collected college football memorabilia before expanding to other sports. Born in Jackson Alabama and later settling in Atlanta, Dr. Espy filled his collection with material from the University of Alabama, the Atlanta Braves, the University of Georgia, and Georgia Tech. Beyond building his extensive collection, Dr Espy was a respected physician andhumanitarian who traveled the globe on medical missions.

The collection will be on view at Rockefeller center October 18-21^st. The live auction is accompanied by an online only auction comprised of lots from the same private collection closing October 24^th.