Historical 1 cent government postcard signed by members of the 1943-44 and 1944-45 National Basketball League Champion Ft. Wayne Zollner Pistons, the forerunners of the present day Detroit Pistons. On the back in dark, perfect 9-10/10 looking black ink is written "Jim: Autographs of all our players: - "'Zollner Pistons"' Fort Wayne, Ind. "Bob" McDermott Capt. & Star Player". McDermott, player/coach of the Pistons, was known as a great shooter and was called by many of his contemporaries "the greatest long-distance shooter in the history of the game". During the 1940s he was named the National Basketball League Most Valuable Player four seasons in a row. In 1946 he was named the greatest player in NBL history. Finally, in 1988, he entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Below in strong 9/10 looking pencil 8 other team members have signed - Paul Birch, Chuck Reiser, Jerry Bush, Charley Shipp, Bud Jeannette(HOF), Jim Glass, Bob Synnott, and John Pelkington.
Used postcard itself about VG condition. Postmark date is January 9, 1945. Cancellation marks touch some of the pencil signatures but all are very readable. Back has some damage along top at at both bottom corners due to album removal. On front near the top right corner another hand has added "basketball 1944-45-46 World's Champions" near the top right corner.
Amazing and rare piece of NBA pre-history from one of the most dominant teams of the 1940's NBL, a franchise that still exists to this day in Detroit.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.