This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
Known as the "Clown Prince of Basketball," Meadowlark Lemon has been the creative force and focal point of international, comedic basketball since he began his career with the Harlem Globetrotters more than four decades ago. Lemon's "no-look, wrap-around pass" for an easy slam dunk, his hook shots from half court, and his ability to turn a hapless referee into a foil for his wit have provided some of the most memorable moments in basketball history. Offered here is a Meadowlark Lemon Harlem Globetrotters rookie-era white durene jersey from the early to mid 1950s. On the left front tail is the "Wilson" manufacturer's tag and to its left is the size tag "42." "Original Harlem Globetrotters" has been sewn across the front of the jersey with "Original" and "Globetrotters" made of blue tackle twill and "Harlem" made of red on yellow tackle twill. There are three rows of two stars each sewn onto the front of the jersey on the left and right of the "Original Harlem Globetrotters" lettering. The top and bottom rows are made of red on yellow tackle twill and the middle stars are made of blue on yellow tackle twill. This pattern of stars is also present on the back but the back stars are in a blue-red-blue pattern rather than the red-blue-red order, retaining the yellow backing. A "globe" patch made of red tackle twill with yellow embroidery has been sewn onto the back of the jersey and below it is the player number "36" in red on yellow tackle twill. The jersey shows good game-use with consistent, even wear throughout which includes fraying and buckling of the letters and numbers. It appears to have no alterations of any kind. In his nationally-syndicated column, Los Angeles Times sportswriter Jim Murray described Meadowlark Lemon as "...an American Institution whose uniform should hand alongside the Spirit of St. Louis and the Gemini Space Capsule in the halls of the Smithsonian Institute." Smithsonian, here's your chance.