Auction Item Details
Lot 95
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 95
Description: Significant 1960-61 Bill Russell NBA Most Valuable Player Award (Russell Collection Photo Match). Original trophy as presented to Russell for his second MVP Award selection after the 1961 season. Large walnut wooden trophy features several tiers having a large two handled brass loving cup with basketball player finial at top. Inscribed brass placard on the interior backplate, "Awarded to Most Valuable Player Season 1960-61 as Chosen by NBA Players in Poll Conducted by the N.E.A.". Additional inscribed placards affixed to the trophy, "President’s Trophy", "Williams Russell", and "All-Star Game-St. Louis January 16, 1962". Gilt decorated 'arch" found at top of trophy likely in a nod to the host city of the All-Star Game where the award was given to Russell. Trophy remains in fine overall condition with some minor patination to brass appointments, few age spots to interior brass backplate, and light wear to the wooden body. The 1960-61 season concluded with Bill Russell leading his Celtics to their fourth NBA Championship behind his suffocating defensive abilities and overall outstanding team play. The measure of Russell’s significance to the team and the league was difficult to measure given the manner in which he carried his team to countless victories with sacrifice to individual statistics. The trophy was presented to Bill Russell at the NBA All-Star Game held in St. Louis the following season as was customary during the period. Along with the other Bill Russell NBA MVP trophies within this auction, the offered example is among the most significant of any player related basketball award to have been offered at public auction. Includes signed letter of provenance from Bill Russell: EX-MTEstimated Price Range: ($100,000-$300,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register