This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/10/2006.
The storied Syracuse Nationals ("Nats"), played in the NBL and the NBA from 1946 to 1963, when they became the Philadelphia 76ers. This is the program from their very first game in 1946 versus the Toledo Jeeps, while still in the NBL. An extremely rare item, as it was the first professional game ever played by the Nats. All complete, program is scored in pen and pencil and is in overall VG condition with some creasing and spotting. Also included is a large 1954-1955 Nats NBA Champions team color photo made from the original negative and framed to 30" x 24-1/2", picturing future HOFer Dolph Schayes. Interesting to note in the photo that the Nats had four different styles of lettering on their jerseys concurrently. Both items come from the "Stevenson Studios Sports Collection" of Bob Stevenson, who was the official photographer of the Nationals. This is the only known original photo of the 1954-55 Syracuse Nats team.