This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/20/2016
- 1906-07 postcard of a white basketball team featuring early African-American basketball star, Harry Bucky Lew, the first man to integrate professional basketball back in 1902. Lew was an outstanding player for YMCA teams in the later 1890's before being recruited to join Lowell’s Pawtucketville Athletic Club "P.A.C." of the New England Professional Basketball League. Lew was signed as the 6th man for Lowell, at $5 a game, and did not expect to play, as there was no fouling out back then. When a teammate became injured, the Lowell coach at first decided to play 4 on 5, but when the crowd started calling for Lew he was eventually inserted into the game to become the first African-American professional player. For the next 20 years Lew played for and managed teams throughout New England. An outstanding defensive player, Lew was always picked as the one to guard the opposing team's best player. Photo pictures 5 players and a manger sitting at the center holding a ball marked "CHAMPS VT. 06-07". All are identified in the photo with Lew in the upper right hand corner. Postcard features exception picture quality with sharp player images. Postcard has not been used but there is some pencil writing on right front border. Lew was nominated for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, and is on the ballot again for the upcoming 2016 Hall of Fame Class in the early African-American Pioneers category.
- 1901-02 unidentified white basketball team with small African-American youngster(Team Mascot?) holding ball marked "1901-2". 6 players have "H" on front. Photographer stamp on back from Helena, Montana. 8" by 10" photo has excellent detail. Some creases but still great eye appeal.
- Early 1900's white basketball team featuring 6 players and coach. One of the players is African-American. Large "N" on the jerseys. (possibly Nantucket, Ct.) Shoes are well worn with one players big toe visible. 7 1/2" by 9 1/2" photo attached to larger 12" by 14" mount. Photo in outstanding condition with crystal clear picture detail. Some wear to mount with small light stain at lower left corner.
- 1905-06 white basketball team featuring 6 players and coach. One of the players is African-American. Players all standing with one foot on a ball marker "1906". Hand written notes on back in ink give names of players with the African-American young woman identified as Miss Taylor - colored". 7 1/2" by 9" photo attached to a 11" by 14" mount. Photo in great condition with crystal clear picture image. Mount has some wear but still in nice shape.
- Vintage unidentified African-American young women's basketball team. 10 Players pictured with one, possibly the coach, at front center holding ball. Image taken on old wooden steps. 5" by 7" photo attached to larger 8" by 10" mount. Outstanding photo detail but soiling to photo and damage to mount.(Mount broken at right edge and held on by vintage tape) Small arrow on front pointing to one girl indicating photo originally belonged to her family at one time.
- Early 1900's "HOORAY FOR THE BASKET-BALL GAME" sheet music honoring the Fort Plain, New York Basketball team which is pictured on the front. White team with 1 African-American among the 6 players, a coach, and dwarf mascot. Medium focus picture image. Sheet music in nice condition for age.
- 1919 YMCA Basketball team featuring 8 African-Americans, a coach and 7 players. Identified as Nolan King, J. L. Jackson Capt., J. K. Greenfield, M. Whedbee, James Thurman, R. Jackson, Fred Edmonds, and F. A. Taylor Coach. Strong portrait images of 7 with one tear hitting face of Fred Edmonds.6 3/4" by 79 1/2". Outstanding photo images. Quite a bit of wear, mainly along edges with tear at Edmonds photo.
- 1919 unidentified African-American young women's basketball team. 8 Players pictured with girl at front center holding ball marked "1919". 8 1/2" by 6 1/2" photo has excellent photo detail. One crease and lower left corner missing, but displays well.
- 1919-20 YMCA basketball team with 12 African-American players and coach. Taken in old gym with part of court visible. 8" by 10" photo on mount. Photo in very nice condition for most part with damage to mount and some tape at left corners and center border. Medium photo detail. In pencil on back written YMCA Basketball Team of 1919-20". Evidence of water staining to mount on back.
- 1920-21 "Louisville "Fighting Five" African-American basketball team featuring 10 players and 2 coaches. 8" by 10 1/4" photo attached to larger mount. Photo in great condition by mount in poor. (Has already been cut down some with heavy crease to right border) Light focus to some of the facial images.
- Unidentified posed shot of African-American player in ready to shoot position. Portrait is 5" by 7" and taken in a studio. "RAIDERS" across the young man's chest. 5" by 7" photo in outstanding condition with excellent picture quality.
- 1926-27 unidentified High School Basketball team featuring 1 African-American player. 7 1/2" by 9 3/4" photo. Excellent photo detail. Very nice condition.