Monthly Auction #5

In 1924 a young Jewish man named Abe Saperstein was chosen to coach an African American semi pro basketball team called the Giles Post American Legion Quintet. Little did he know that with this position he would eventually revolutionize the game of basketball and help to initiate integration throughout the country, while establishing himself as an unknown and unconventional hero. Saperstein was a masterful promoter and businessman who eventually built The Harlem Globetrotters into the most well known sports franchise in history. By forming his own successful African American team, Saperstein pioneered the integration of the National Basketball Association, and changed the way the game of basketball was played. Presented here is Abe Saperstein’s personal 1953 Harlem Globetrotters “World Series of Basketball” ring. Every year the Globetrotters played a series of 50 games against collegiate all-star teams, heralded as the “World Series of Basketball.” Saperstein’s 1953 ring features a figural player relief above a 25pt. diamond on the face with “World Series” lettering above in blue enamel. Shields on both shanks show “19” and “53” respectively with eagle and laurel leaf adornments. Saperstein’s initials “A.S.” appear on the inside band. The ring shows only light to moderate wear, retaining a beautiful vintage patina. An accompanying LOA states that the ring was purchased at an estate sale conducted at the former home of Abe Saperstein’s widow in the accompaniment of other Saperstein memorabilia. A fine basketball artifact from one of the games most historic figures. Size: 8-¾.