This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/9/2007.
Competing with the rival South Philadelphia Hebrew Association, The Jewish Basketball League was established in Philadelphia in 1902. The JBL's winning basketball team was presented at an annual dinner with the Leon Rains trophy. In 1923-1924, both the JBL and the SPHA moved their headquarters from Broad and Master to the main YM and YWHA at Broad and Pine, the current location of the JBL. This magnificent trophy, all metal, stands approximately 12" tall with a rendition of a period basketball on a pedestal, complete with engraved "stitching" and "laces.". On one side is engraved "The Leon L. Rains Trophy, Presented To The Jewish Basket Ball League For Annual Competition, Season 1923-1924, Won By Judaic Union. On the opposite side is engraved "Judaic Union, Hilliard L. Joseph, Manager, R. Kravitz, Guard, Captain, D. Danowitz, Guard, L. Kravitz, Forward, N. Weiss, Forward, A. Werblum, R. Radnor, Sherr, Centre, M. Charney and A. Schaeffer." Trophy shows some tarnishing, abrasions and dents, EX condition overall. Interestingly, the rival SPHA trophy from the same year, currently in a Philadelphia museum, lists guard Eddie Gottlieb, who later went on to be known as the founder of the NBA.