logo
ISA Grading Advertisement

Rare 1950s Knicks Uniforms Up for Grabs at Heritage Auctions

* We may earn a commission from purchases made through our affiliate links.

Screenshot 2024-04-19 025220.png
Heritage Auctions is set to auction off vintage 1950s New York Knicks uniforms, including pieces worn by Connie Simmons, George Kaftan, and Al McGuire, from their 1951-52 NBA Finals season. These highly sought-after memorabilia represent a significant era in basketball history.

As the New York Knicks celebrate back-to-back NBA playoff appearances for the first time in many years, a piece of their early history is hitting the auction scene. Next week, collectors will have the opportunity to bid on vintage game uniforms from the 1951-52 Knicks team that competed in the NBA Finals. These include game-worn items such as Connie Simmons’ home jersey and trunks, a jersey from George Kaftan, and Al McGuire’s rookie shorts. These items are part of the highlighted offerings in the Spring Sports Catalog Auction by Heritage Auctions.

The uniforms were manufactured by Thorp Sporting Goods located on New York's prestigious 5th Avenue and were acquired from the Knicks by Danny Jacobs, who served as a ball boy at the time. The auction lot includes historical photographs of Jacobs posing with team figures such as head coach Joe Lapchick and NBA Hall of Famers Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton and Harry “The Horse” Gallatin. These photos were taken at the Knicks’ early home, the 69th Regiment Armory. Also included are documents such as a letter from Knicks’ business manager Matt Goldner regarding Jacobs' role during the 1951-52 season.

George Kaftan, noted for his collegiate success at Holy Cross as a two-time All-American and NCAA champion, joined the Knicks for five seasons. Connie Simmons, whose career spanned ten seasons in the NBA, participated in the historic 1951-52 series where the Knicks were the first team to push a playoff series to a Game 7 after being down 3-0, only to lose to George Mikan’s Minneapolis Lakers.

These unique uniform sets are expected to draw bids starting from $10,000, offering collectors a rare chance to own a slice of NBA’s foundational years as the auction concludes next month.

Share:

PWCC Auction Advertisement

0 Comments

Related

Sports Card News

2024-25 Topps Chrome Sapphire Basketball Checklist and Box Break Overview


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • July 16, 2025, 10:59 pm

2024-25 Topps Chrome Sapphire Basketball Checklist and Box Break Overview


The highly anticipated return of Topps Chrome Sapphire Basketball is here for the 2024-25 NBA season, bringing its signature chromium look and a full lineup of rookies, veterans, and legends. As a special-edition release, Sapphire delivers not only excl...

Read More

One Piece TCG PRB-02 Reprint Set Drops Prices, Welcomes New Players Worldwide


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • July 16, 2025, 10:56 pm

One Piece TCG PRB-02 Reprint Set Drops Prices, Welcomes New Players Worldwide


This October, Bandai is giving the global One Piece TCG community a major boost with the English release of the PRB-02 reprint set. By bringing back some of the game’s most in-demand cards, PRB-02 is poised to make competitive One Piece decks far more...

Read More

2024-25 Panini Noir Basketball: Set Details, Full Base Checklist, and What Collectors Can Expect


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • July 17, 2025, 10:51 pm

2024-25 Panini Noir Basketball: Set Details, Full Base Checklist, and What Collectors Can Expect


Panini’s Noir Basketball returns for the 2024-25 NBA season, bringing its signature blend of luxury design, on-card autographs, and unique cinematic flair to the trading card market. The latest release continues to appeal to collectors who want both ...

Read More