Summer Premier Auction 2018
Wed, Jul 25, 2018 04:00PM EDT - Sat, Aug 11, 2018 11:00PM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 463
1975 KENTUCKY COLONELS ABA CHAMPIONS 10K GOLD RING PRESENTED TO TEAM'S PUBLICIST
Sold for
$5,137.20
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $150,000 |
While most upstart leagues such as baseball’s Federal League and football’s WFL usually result in bankruptcy and failure this was not the case with the American Basketball Association. Founded in 1967 the ABA brought excitement and an almost outlaw quality to fans bored with the stodgy atmosphere of NBA games. Using their trademark red white and blue ball the ABA sped up the game with added features such as the three-point shot and by themed-1970s had developed a following that made the NBA very nervous.
Among the original ABA franchises was the Kentucky Colonels. Led by coach Hubie Brown the 1974-75 Colonels won the single-game playoff against the New York Nets (led by Dr. J) to enter the post-season then clipped the Memphis Sounds 4 games to 1 in the semi-finals. The Colonels then defeated the Spirits of St. Louis by the same margin to face the Indianapolis Pacers for the Championship. Kentucky sacked their league rivals again by a 4-to-1 game margin winning their first and only ABA Championship title. Colonels owner John Brown was so proud of his team that he offered one million dollars to the NBA Champion Golden State to play his club. The Warriors refused but the idea helped bridge the gap between the two leagues resulting in their ultimate merger by the end of the decade.
This ring representing Kentucky’s lone ABA title was presented to the team’s publicist and journalist named John Hamilton. Made exactly like players’ versions the 10K gold ring has a CZ or white sapphire on the top ringed by “KENTUCKY COLONELS” and WORLD CHAMPIONS” in raised letters and “1975” engraved into the flanks. The left shank has “JOHN HAMILTON” with the Kentucky Colonels logo perched in between. The right shank has banners engraved with "Kentucky 110 Indiana 105" "Freedom Hall" "Season 59-26" "Playoffs 12-3" and Pressure 22-3." "Jostens 10K" is stamped on the inside of the ring. The condition is essentially mint with just light surface abrasions and minimal wear to the raised surfaces. Ring size is 8 1/2 and weight is 38 grams. A rarely seen Championship ring from the glory years of the ABA.
Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.
