Holler And Hammer is proud to present the James A. Mackey Collection. James was a prolific behind the scenes historian of all things Detroit. James began his career at the age of 21 as a graphic designer with Jam Handy, after graduating from Wayne State University with a BA at 20 years of age. He soon found himself at Channel 2 News in Detroit in 1960, where his career spanned 42+ years, ending in 2002 with him retiring as Graphic Manager. Throughout that wonderfully rich career with Channel 2, he was fortunate enough to have won 4 Emmy Awards for set design.

Jim as he became known or even more referred to as “Mackey” began to photograph for the Detroit Tigers & Lions as a correspondent for Channel 2 News around 1960. He was hired as a freelance photographer by Olympia Entertainment in 1962, where he would spend the next 34 years procuring some of the greatest hockey moments to have been caught on film in Detroit Red Wings history.

In the mid 1960s he became the graphic artist & cartoonist for the Detroit Red Wings Magazine with multiple sections in each program. “In The Click Of It”, “Red Wing Magazine” and “Sticks and Yuks by Mackey”.  In the words of his son Eric, “He loved sports period”.  Whether it was boat racing, lacrosse, baseball, football, hockey, Jim was there covering the event and capturing moments that will live on forever.

He built many life long relationships with hall of fame hockey greats. Most notably, Gordie Howe, who even went as far to invite Jim to Pittsburgh for the opportunity to capture Gordie scoring his 700th goal. Their relationship spanned their entire lives, which is quite evident in this iconic collection of Detroit Red Wings History.

This auction will be phase 1 of Mr. Mackey’s wonderful collection. Phase 2 will be additional Red Wings items along with a large assortment of Detroit Tigers & Lions items as well. Holler And Hammer Auctions has facilitated a deal for the Mackey Estate with Classic Auctions in Canada with some of Jim Mackey’s most prized Detroit Red Wings possessions. Most notable items: Gordie Howe Game Used & Signed 1964-65 Stick, Alex Delvecchio & Peter Mahovlich Game Used & Signed1968-69 Sticks, Terry Sawchuk Signed 20” photograph, incredible type 1 photographs, negatives and never before seen moments! Click on their link below when auction is live.

Auction preview is Saturday October 19th, 2024 from 12pm-4pm est at 409 Hupp St., Jackson, MI 49201.

This collection is chalked full of one of a kind pieces of Detroit Red Wings rich history! From Olympia Stadium Press Box Chair, Multiple Personalized Gordie Howe Autographs, 2 Game Used & Signed Mickey Redmond Hockey Sticks, Thousands of Original Negatives, Personalized Howe Family Communications, Original Type 1 Photographs, Many Game Used & Signed Sticks, Original Mackey Illustrations, Near Mint Collections of Red Wing Magazines & so much more! Stay tuned for more updates.