The New York Rens [Renaissance] were the first African American owned, all-black professional basketball team. Founded in 1923 by owner/coach Bob Douglas (nicknamed the "Father of Black Pro Basketball"), the Harlem-based club barnstormed throughout the United States playing any team that would schedule them. In 1932-33, they won 88 straight games and became the sport's biggest gate attraction along with the Original Celtics. The Rens won the inaugural World Professional Basketball Tournament, held annually from 1939 to '48 in Chicago featuring the best pro teams in the world, and were runners-up to George Mikan's Minneapolis Lakers of the NBL in 1948. Overall, from 1923 to '48, the Rens compiled an insane a 2,588–529 (.830) record.

This ancient "New York" warm-up jacket dates to the late 1940s. According to its previous auction history (last sold for $1,993 in January 2016), it was allegedly worn by Inman Jackson when he played for the Rens. Jackson later joined the Harlem Globetrotters and gave it to teammate Robert "Show Boat" Hall. It should be noted that the Globetrotters also wore this style in the late '40s.

The red wool pullover sweater with a zipper neck remains in amazing shape for its age. "NEW YORK" is spelled across the chest in felt block letters of blue with white outline. The collar, sleeve ends and waistband have matching blue elastic trim with white stripes. A size "46" strip can be found inside the rear left waistband. The manufacturer's tag within the collar is missing, which was often done intentionally as players found it irritating. The zipper is present but no longer functional. The sweater is all-original with no alterations and just a few tiny holes on the upper back and a larger one on the front waistband. What a classic piece of basketball and Black history!