Images(2)

Plaque

Object number2014.139.1

Manufacturer Sam J. Greller, Inc.

Date1961

OriginChicago, IL

MediumWood/Metal/Paper

Credit LineGift of Rebecca Litman

DescriptionRectangular wood plaque with gold-tone metal plate on the front, riveted in place by four star-shaped rivets. Engraved text on front. Edges of wood are beveled on the front. Back has metal hanging hardware at top center.Dimensions12 x 15 x 0.875 in. (30.5 x 38.1 x 2.2 cm)
InscriptionsText on front at top center reads "CHARTER MEMBER / AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE / This will Certify that a Franchise in the / American Basketball League / has been granted / According to the Constitution and by Laws / of this Professional Basketball Association / to LENNY LITMAN / Pittsburgh Rens Basketball Club".

Text in bottom left corner reads "Member Cities / Pittsburgh Kansas City / Washington Los Angeles / Cleveland San Francisco / Chicago Honolulu" and in the bottom right corner reads "Abe Saperstein [signature] / COMMISSIONER / JUNE 3, 1961 / CHICAGO, ILL."
MarksBack has a gold sticker that has red text around the perimeter "SAM J. GRELLER, INC. 226 S. WELLS ST., CHICAGO 6. ILL." and at center inside of a star "ALL-STAR / TROPHY / MFGRS."
Historical NotesThe American Basketball League played one full season, 1961-1962, and part of 1962-1963. The league ended on December 31, 1962. The Pittsburgh Rens (1961-1963) was an American basketball team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that was a member of the American Basketball League. The founder of the ABL, Abe Saperstein, was the owner of the Harlem Globetrotters who had competed for many decades against the New York Rens and eventually bought the rights to the Rens' name. Because of the Pittsburgh Renaissance urban renewal project, it was convenient to coin the "Rens" as an instantly-recognizable name for this new version of a basketball team.

Previous owner Lenny Litman

Related person Abe Saperstein

Related institution American Basketball League

Related institution Pittsburgh Rens Basketball Club

Related institution Professional Basketball Association

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