Historically Important Archive of James Naismith Documents Pertaining to the Invention of Basketball and Other Games

Auction: November 2008 Catalogue

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November 2008 Catalogue
The Dr. James Naismith Collection

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Historically Important Archive of James Naismith Documents Pertaining to the Invention of Basketball and Other Games

Notes: At the YMCA in Springfield MA, Naismith was given the task of designing an indoor game that could be played in a relatively confined space. The documents in this lot represent his visions of several potential games. All are typed but several contain handwritten notes as well. Basketball - Fourteen of the pieces are dedicated to the sport that would last. There are three vintage photographs from the 1930’s. Two are of the original rules that hung on the wall at the YMCA and the other is the cover of the 1893 Basketball rules booklet. Two typed pages explain the origin of the game and how he came up with the idea by looking at how previous ball games were played throughout history. Two pages list the attributes that players must have and four pages are a typed outline of the game and how it should be played. Vree Ball - Ball game played within a 24’ x 24’ square and divided into two rectangles inside. The ball was hit with an open palm and it looks somewhat similar to modern day volleyball but with no net. There are four typed pages dedicated to this sport, as well as a hand drawn illustration of the playing field. N.S.F.B - Played with a soccer ball on a Football field. The ball could be kicked or passed and the goal was to get it through two upright polls that are similar to a modern day field goal. There are two typed pages on this sport. Hy-Lo Ball - Played with a soccer ball on a rugby field, the game appears to be similar to NSFB described above. 13 pages are dedicated to this sport, several have extensive handwritten notes. Total 33 pieces. <br><br>Condition: VG-EX.