This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
In a direct contrast to today’s gaudy, diamond-encrusted rings, back in the NBA’s early days a championship was commemorated by something more practical – a watch. This gold pocket watch was presented to Red Holzman to mark the Rochester Royals' 1951 championship. Holzman, later the legendary coach of the New York Knicks of the 1970’s, was one of pro basketball’s earliest stars, winning NBL Rookie of the Year honors in 1945 and making the All-League First Team in 1945-46 and 1946-47. In 1951, he was a key contributor to Rochester's first and only NBA title, after which he was presented with this watch. The Dufonte 17 jewels pocket watch is engraved on the outside of the case with “Royals NBA Champs 1951.” The case shows light wear with the expected scuffing and abrasions from use. The engraving remains sharp and clear and the watch face bright and seemingly unaffected by age. Because these pocket watches were meant to be used, very few have survived the decades, making this a very desirable piece of early NBA championship history. The watch comes from the personal collection Red Holzman and is offered here for the first time. Includes LOA from Holzman family.