1947-1948 Lee Knorek NY Knickerbockers Game-Worn Jacket

Lee Knorek’s New York Knickerbockers Jacket: A Rare Relic from NBA’s Inception

An Artifact from the Dawn of Professional Basketball

In the annals of basketball history, few items capture the essence of the sport’s early days like Lee Knorek’s New York Knickerbockers jacket. This remarkable piece of basketball memorabilia hails from the inaugural season of the NBA in 1946, a time when the league was just beginning to carve out its place in the sporting world. Knorek, a member of the very first Knicks team, may not have dazzled with his statistics, but his foresight in preserving this jacket offers a tangible connection to the origins of professional basketball.

Design and Craftsmanship

The jacket itself is a testament to the style and craftsmanship of the era. Made by Wilson, it features a blue satin exterior with a shammy lining, reminiscent of a pitcher’s warm-up jacket or an early NFL Giants’ sideline coach’s jacket. The similarities to the Giants’ jackets of the early to mid-1950s are striking, sharing the same blue satin twill and elastic cuffs. This piece is not just a garment but a symbol of the shared history between two iconic New York sports franchises.

• Manufacturer: Wilson, with a ’40s manufacturer’s tag.
• Size: Tagged as size 48.
• Condition: Despite some wear and minor degradation, it remains in solid condition for a garment over 60 years old.
• Unique Features: Large felt “NEW YORK” lettering with “KNICKERBOCKERS” arched beneath, and “KK” penned in the neckline.

A Piece of Basketball Heritage

Presented to us as game-used, this jacket is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a relic of basketball’s formative years. The wear and tear it exhibits are not mere blemishes but stories etched into its fabric, narrating the journey of a sport that would grow to captivate millions worldwide. The jacket’s provenance is further authenticated by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from MEARS, graded as AUTHENTIC.

For collectors and enthusiasts, this jacket represents an opportunity to own a piece of history from the sports memorabilia auctions at Grey Flannel Auctions. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the New York Knicks and the rich tapestry of the NBA’s storied past.

Why This Jacket Matters

Owning this jacket is not merely about possessing a vintage item; it is about embracing a fragment of basketball’s legacy. It is a celebration of the sport’s humble beginnings and a tribute to the athletes who paved the way for future generations. As the NBA continues to evolve, pieces like this jacket serve as reminders of where it all began, offering a tangible link to the past for those passionate about the game.

Explore more about this and other exceptional items in our basketball auctions and discover the stories behind the artifacts that have shaped the world of sports.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.