SCP Auctions April 2011 Internet Auction
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 08:00PM EDT - Sun, May 1, 2011 12:25PM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 22
RED AUERBACH'S 1957 BOSTON CELTICS NBA CHAMPIONSHIP RING WORN BY HIS WIFE DOROTHY
Sold for
$80,750.40
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 |
The Boston Celtics had done very well in the early 1950's with the high-scoring trio of Bob Cousy Bill Sharman and Easy Ed Macauley under the masterful tutelage of Red Auerbach. But while the run and gun Celts were usually a winning team and high up in the standings they had never won an NBA title. Something was missing and before the 1956-1957 season got underway coach Auerbach thought he had the answer. The man he wanted was Bill Russell the six-foot nine inch All- American center from the University of San Francisco. The big guy's game was defense and rebounding and that was the element Auerbach and his high-flying outfit needed. After some maneuvering that involved the trade of MaCauley and Cliff Hagan to allow the Celtics to move up in the draft Red got his man. Though Russell missed about a third of the season due to his commitment to play for the US Olympic team he made an impact as soon as he joined the club. He was an indomitable force in the middle. Russells ability to block shots or snare rebounds and then make quick outlet passes to Bob Cousy triggered the Celtics' fast break and turned Boston into an unstoppable force. With Russell in the lineup rookie Tommy Heinsohn having a great year at shooting forward big Jim Loscutoff doing the rugged inside work and Cousy and Sharman working their magic in the back court the Celtics quickly became the class of the NBA. They finished the season with the best record in the league and swept the Syracuse Nats in the playoffs. The NBA championship series against St. Louis looked to be a serious mismatch. But the Hawks pushed the Celtics to seven games culminating in a double overtime thriller. Game seven remembered as one of the greatest in history was a gut wrenching battle that saw the Celtics prevail to win their first NBA championship. A dynasty was born. Offered here is the Championship ring from the historic 1956-57 season received by Red Auerbach for his wife Dorothy. This ring worn by Dorothy Auerbach features a diamond set atop a basketball surrounded by the words World Champions. Both sides feature the year 1957 above a shamrock with Celtics bannered at the bottom. Added to the inside band of the 10k gold ring is the inscription A. Auerbach. The ring shows only moderate wear. Simply put this is one of the most significant basketball treasures ever offered publicly. It is the ultimate symbol of the dawn of the Celtics Dynasty from the family of the man who was its heart and soul. Size: 6-1/2. Includes a letter of provenance from the Auerbach estate.
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.
