This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2013
This remarkable artifact from the rough-and-tumble 1950's NBA was worn by the game's first true backcourt genius, the legendary Bob Cousy, who revolutionized ball handling to a degree unmatched in the history of basketball, turning a occasionally mind-numbing and brutally cautious cadence into the early permutations of the high-flaying, fast-paced game it is today. Teaming with fellow Hall of Famer Bill Russell, the tandem helped to launch arguably the greatest dynasty in the history of professional sports, running off a string of 11 NBA Championships in 13 years. Cousy was on hand for the initial six titles in seven years before retiring following the 1962-63 season.
This ultra-rare Bob Cousy Boston Celtics green fleece warmup jacket features a green-and-white knitted collar and sleeves. The white-and-gold embroidered "Boston" team name across the front shows good game use yet remains in outstanding condition, with only a bit of separation of some of the letters. Both sleeves display matching clover leaf logo patches, with the original "Cousy" nameplate affixed to the reverse by its original snap fasteners. Horace Partridge manufacturer's tagging remains inside the collar. The jacket is in Excellent condition and shows evident use while retaining its original color, lustre and great overall eye appeal; the nap of the fleece is nothing short of exquisite. The jacket is missing one of its original seven front buttons, but is otherwise largely problem-free. The jacket comes with an extraordinary Letter of Provenance from the original recipient, detailing how he obtained the jacket from the Celtics' public address announcer from 1949-80, Weldon Haire. The jacket is simply a superb, museum-worthy treasure that perfectly embodies the lore and legend of a foregone era of NBA play.
Includes a letter of provenance.