Athletes Village Olympic Flag from the 1960 Rome Olympics

Iconic 1960 Olympic Flag from Jerry Lucas’ Collection

A Symbol of Olympic Legacy

We are thrilled to present a monumental piece of Olympic history: a massive canvas flag measuring an impressive 9’ 10” x 14’ 9”, emblazoned with the iconic Olympic rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red. This flag, manufactured by “Unione Militare Roma” in the host city of the 1960 Olympics, Rome, stands as a testament to the grandeur and unity of the Olympic Games. The manufacturer’s tag, along with the inscriptions “O.I.C.” and the dimensions “300 x 450,” are prominently stamped in black on the edge, affirming its authenticity and origin.

Provenance and Historical Significance

This extraordinary flag originates from the esteemed collection of NBA Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas, a legendary figure in the world of basketball. Lucas, a pivotal member of the U.S. men’s basketball team, secured this flag from the Athletes Village during the 1960 Olympics, where he and his team clinched the gold medal. This flag was the main emblematic banner of the event, and it remains in excellent condition, with only minor staining, a testament to its preservation over the decades.

• Historical Provenance: Directly from the 1960 Rome Olympics, a landmark event in sports history.
• Exclusive Ownership: Part of Jerry Lucas’ personal collection, a name synonymous with basketball excellence.
• Condition: Maintained in EX condition, with minor signs of age that add to its authenticity.

Accompanied by Authenticity and Legacy

This remarkable lot is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from Jerry Lucas himself, further enhancing its value and credibility. Additionally, it includes a hand-signed letter from Lucas and a Naismith Memorabilia Basketball Hall of Fame letter of authenticity, underscoring its significance in the realm of sports memorabilia.

Jerry Lucas is celebrated as one of the greatest basketball players in history, a testament to his unparalleled achievements. He is one of only three players to have won championships at every level—high school, college, NBA, and Olympics. Named one of the Top Fifty players in NBA history and one of the Top 15 All-Time March Madness Players, Lucas’ legacy is etched in the annals of basketball history. His illustrious career includes being a 7-time All-Pro, the NBA All-Star Game MVP, and the only forward in league history to secure 40 rebounds in a game. In 1973, he was a key member of the New York Knicks World Championship team, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979.

We are honored to present this collection at our 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Auction, a celebration of sports excellence and history. This flag is not just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of Olympic spirit and a fragment of Jerry Lucas’ enduring legacy. For those interested in exploring more about basketball memorabilia, visit our basketball auctions page. If you have your own piece of history to share, consider our consignment services to bring your memorabilia to the world stage.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.