Auction Item Details
Lot 82
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Lot Number: 82
Description: Rare Bill Russell African Goodwill Trip photographic album c.1959. As Bill Russell's stature within the game of basketball continued to grow during the 1950-60s so too did his commitment to African Americans and spreading the game through goodwill. In 1959, the United States State Department selected Russell to conduct a goodwill tour to Africa that included stops in Libya, Ethiopia, the Ivory Coast, Sudan, and Liberia. The album measures 8"x10" and contains (34) original real photographic postcards taken during the stop in Libya measuring 3 5/8"x5 1/2" each. Subjects include Russell in various coaching poses wearing USA warm up suit, Russell in street clothes, and young player in both game and communal settings. Each image is found in the form of an unused real photo postcard with appropriate back for mailing. Image quality is very fine with light general wear. Photos were originally placed in the album with archival corners, which would allow for easy removal if desired. Unique period photographic archive chronicling the important US goodwill tour which was groundbreaking for its era. Includes signed letter of provenance from Bill Russell: Album: VG-EX, Photographs: EX-NMEstimated Price Range: ($1,000-$3,000)
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