This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Designed by architect Philip H. Johnson, Philadelphia's Convention Hall was erected from 1929-1931 and was one of America's finest examples of Art Deco architecture. A landmark in the "City of Brotherly Love," this elegant building represented the epitome of the Art Deco period, which flourished in the first third of the twentieth century. Convention Hall hosted five political conventions, including the nominations of FDR in 1936 and Harry Truman in 1948, which incidentally was a year in which three political parties convened there. The Beatles played there. Pope John Paul II spoke there. The Philadelphia Warriors called the Hall home from 1952 to 1962 before moving to San Francisco. The Philadelphia 76ers moved in for the 1963 season, and led by Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer, brought the NBA Championship home in 1967. The feat would be repeated in 1983 with a new cast of characters that included Julius Erving and Moses Malone. Unfortunately, demolition of the hall began a few years ago. This collection of 14 large letters once hung on the stone wall above the entrance to Philadelphia Convention Hall, identifying the center as such. Made of stamped metal and painted brown, these hollow letters that spell out "Convention Hall" are 30" - 31" tall x 2 1/8" deep. There is some minor paint chipping evident, and the original mounting bolts and anchors with traces of plaster are still attached.