2023 FALL PREMIER AUCTION
Wed, Nov 15, 2023 09:00PM EST - Sun, Dec 3, 2023 09:51AM EST
Timed Auction
Lot 412
Important 1929 George Gregory "First Black All-American Basketball Player" Columbia University Original Photograph (Only Known Example!) PSA/DNA Type
Sold for
$1,516.80
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 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
Offered here is a special piece of African American sports history, a vintage original photograph showcasing young basketball star George Gregory from Columbia University in 1929. Gregory would lead the Columbia Lions (21-2 record) to the Ivy League Championship in 1930-31 and became the first Black player ever to earn All-America honors in NCAA basketball history. A New Yorker through and through, the 6’ 4” center – it was that long ago – played his Columbia home games at Madison Square Garden as a senior. After completing his undergraduate degree, he played semi-pro ball – making just $150 for an entire season – while earning his law degree at St. John's. He later worked for the New York City Civil Service Commission and was an active community leader in Harlem and The Bronx for decades.
This is the only image of George Gregory in his Columbia uniform we have ever seen. The well-built scholar, who opened so many doors for future Black student-athletes, is wearing old-fashioned basketball attire and holding a classic leather roundball. The image clarity is as sharp as can be and the photo itself comes in immaculate condition. Press credits from the Newspaper Enterprise Association and ACME with a date of “DEC 21, ‘29” are stamped on the reverse with a nice caption at the top. An educational and museum-worthy photo of a Black pioneer as important as William Clarence Matthews.
YEAR: 1929
GENERATION: First (original negative)
ISSUER: N.E.A. (also stamped by ACME)
CAPTIONED: Yes
DIMS: 6" x 8"
CONDITION: Mint
Encapsulated by PSA/DNA, Type 1
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.
