Circa 1932 Harlem Globetrotters Oversized Handbill....

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Circa 1932 Harlem Globetrotters Oversized Handbill. Before they went full-on entertainers, the Harlem Globetrotters were a legitimate basketball team and one of the finest in the country. In 1940, they won the World Professional Basketball Tournament and, in 1948, they beat the Minneapolis Lakers who were led by George Mikan.

This rare 1930's Globies oversized handbill provides a wonderful window into the pro game at that time and makes a superb display piece. Headline reads "Basket Ball...Harlem New York Globetrotters, The Famous Colored Team, Playing Against the Zumbrota Blue Jays and Lawlers Cleaners of Kenyon." Below pictures five basketeers -- Inman Jackson, Walter Wright, Byron Long, George Easter, Albert Pullins -- and manager/coach Abe Saperstein.

Wright, Long and Pullins were part of the Globetrotters first starting lineup in 1927. Jackson, who joined the squad in 1929 was team captain for many years and a creative force behind the transformation of the team into a worldwide phenomenon. Saperstein of course founded the team. In 1958, he signed Wilt Chamberlain and in 1971 he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Measures 16x11.5" and presents in remarkable condition with customary fold lines (some splitting) and surface wear -- corner pin hole and chip to border. Unframed but includes original frame and 1987 newspaper clipping picturing the handbill and original owner who played for the Kenyon squad.