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Circa 1950s NBA Photograph Collection w/Several Signed (60)
Presented is an eclectic 1950s photograph collection of NBA players, with several of the photos signed. The black and white photos come from the former photographer from the NBA's Syracuse Nationals. Some of the photographs are original. A few of the photos are duplicates or two or more different photos of the same player, and a few of the photos are team shots, including a non-NBA photo of the 1952 National Invitation Tournament Champions - Xavier University. There is also a non-original, unsigned copy of a team shot of the 1961-62 Los Angeles Lakers, with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. In the 1950s, the Syracuse Nationals played in the NBA's East Division with the New York Knicks, the Boston Celtics, and the Philadelphia Warriors. Thus, the majority of the photographs are of players who were playing on the teams in the East Division. Three of the East Division stars whose photos are signed are Richie Guerin, Paul Arizin, and Tom Gola. Guerin's signature is not on his individual photo (a facsimile signature on his individual shot), but on a team photo of the 1957-58 New York Knicks. Guerin was a Hall of Fame shooting guard on the Knicks from 1956-57 to 1963-64, and for the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks, from 1963-64 through 1969-70, except for 1967-68, when he was retired for a year as a player. Guerin also coached the Hawks, mostly as a playing coach, from 1963-72. In his NBA career, Guerin averaged 17.3 PPG and was a 6-time All-Star. As a coach, his teams made the playoffs in every season, and he was the NBA Coach of the Year in 1967-68. Guerin signed the Knicks' team photo in blue ink, writing, "Richie Guerin." Also signing his photo was Hall of Fame small forward Paul Arizin. He played for the Philadelphia Warriors for his entire 10-year NBA career (not including 1952-54 when he was in military service), declining to go with the Warriors when the team moved to San Francisco for the 1962-63 season and retiring from the NBA. Arizin averaged 19.8 PPG in his career. Arizin signed his photo in black ink. There is also a signed photo of guard/forward Tom Gola, of the Philadelphia Warriors and later the Knicks. Gola was an unselfish player who averaged 11.3 PPG and concentrated on playmaking, rebounding and defense. He helped the Philadelphia Warriors to the 1956 NBA title. Using a blue ballpoint, Gola inscribed and signed his photo as "Best Wishes Tom Gola." Hall of Fame small forward Cliff Hagen, of the St. Louis Hawks, also signed his photo, neatly signing "Cliff Hagan" in black ink. Hagan averaged 18.0 PPG in 10 seasons with St. Louis in the NBA and 15.1 PPG in three seasons with the ABA's Dallas Chaparrals. There is a publicity photo inscribed and signed by Cincinnati Royals guard Arlen Bockhorn; writing in blue ink, Bockhorn wrote, "Dear Jeffrey, Best Wishes Arlen Bockhorn." The 60 photos also include unsigned photos, or photos with facsimile signatures, of NBA stars such as Hall of Famers: Guy Rodgers, and Wayne Embry (Hall of Fame as a contributor). Most of the photos measure 8x10", a few are smaller or larger. Please note that there are facsimile autographs scattered throughout the collection. The condition of the photos varies. The collection makes an interesting find, especially for collectors of vintage NBA memorabilia.
Past Sports Card, Memorabilia, Non-Sports Card and Collecitble Auction Items
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1998 Chicago Bulls Three-Peat Team Signed Basketball
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1970’s Fred “Curly” Neal Harlem Globetrotters Game Worn Jersey
1996-97 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls Game Worn Uniform with Bulls Letter
