This lot features beautifully framed collection of original press pins distributed to media members at the NCAA Final Four going back to 1977. The pins are all originals and come in various shapes and depictions and are all roughly 1" in length or diameter. Some take the shape of the winning team's state some in the shape of the host city's state. More recent designs call out "[Year]""Final Four" and "[Host City]". All come with 3/4" by 1 1/2" nameplates calling out "[Year] - [Host City] - [School] - [Mascot]". A nice 2.5" by 6" metallic header at the top reads "NCAA FINAL FOUR MEDIA PINS" with the traditional National Collegiate Athletic Association logo stamped to its left. The 2012 2013 and 2014 press pins are included separately outside the frame as the consignor had already framed his collection of 35 press pins from 1977-2011 in 7 rows of 5. The 35 framed pins present very nicely. They are pinned in chronological order (left to right) on a black velvet board shadowboxed inside a black frame that measures 27" tall by 17" wide by 1.5" thick.

The 1978 pin has come dislodged from its original position (top row 2nd overall) and is now positioned between 1982 and 1983 on the 2nd row. It can be maneuvered back into its original position by opening the back of the frame. We have chosen not to open the back of the frame to avoid tampering with and damaging such a beautiful display. The consignor spent over a decade working as an integral part of the company that designed and produced press pins for the NFL and NCAA. Based on the consignor's detailed recollection of acquiring each piece and his professional background we are confident that each pin therein is 100% original as was presented to the media. As far as the consignor knows all pinbacks are attached on the reverse side of the black velvet backing. A rare and special collection of prized college basketball memorabilia courtesy of a collector who attended almost every Final Four as part of his profession.

Includes a Letter of Provenance from collector Robert Zweigle.

The Robert Zweigle collection represents 40 years of assembling sports memorabilia items from college and professional football professional golf and NCAA basketball. Bob Zweigle was a major supplier of promotional products to the NFL who personally attended 38 Super Bowls working closely with NFL personnel and establishing unique connections that helped grow his collection. He designed/produced Super Bowl press pins from XXV through XXXIX (the final year the NFL produced its own pins). He also designed/produced the Player Participation Trophy and Player of the Game Trophy for the Pro Bowl as well as the Arena Bowl Championship Trophy. He made it a personal quest to obtain in-person autographs on important memorabilia items at many sporting events wherein he had rare and unusual access.