I definitely want to share more memorabilia here on the blog, so I figured it was time to feature my first piece of Harlem Globetrotters material: this incredible 1954 advertising broadside that MastroNet Inc. offered in its August 2001 Premier Catalog Auction.
Here’s how they described it:
A very large (21″ x 27) and striking original cardboard sign that promotes the “5th Annual Basketball World Series” Game between the “Harlem Globetrotters” and the “1954 College All-Americans” at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. The broadside is in Very Good condition, with a series of small tackholes throughout. Beautifully framed to 28″ x 33″ and displays very nicely.
The minimum bid was $150, but unfortunately I’m not sure what it sold for, and I haven’t been able to find any comps. However, the 1959 broadsides are a bit more common and have sold for between $750 (eBay, April 2026) and $1,440, which this one realized in REA’s 2025 Spring Auction. They do feature Wilt Chamberlain, though, but as I mentioned, they are more common.
Be on the lookout for more great Harlem Globetrotters items here on the blog in the future. A new hobby friend has been sending me photos of some truly incredible pieces.
Happy collecting!
P.S. Details are a little scarce, but it appears the Globetrottesr went 15-6 against the College All-Americans in 1954 in front of 277,393 fans with Willie Gardner as the MVP.
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