This lot also comes with a 16"x20" photo of Russell shooting over Wilt Chamberlain at the Boston Garden wearing these exact shoes. The photo is signed "Bill Russell #6 H.O.F. 74" in NRMT blue sharpie and is accompanied by an LOA.
Short and sweet letter of authenticity from the Basketball Hall of Famer states, "To Whom It May Concern: This is to acknowledge that I, Bill Russell, wore these sneakers during my playing days with the Boston Celtics. They were made specifically for me with my name on the back of and inside the shoe. They are black & gold with a white toe tip. I signed them in blue sharpie on the toe tip, Signed William F. Russell." Enormous shoes show a great deal of use-they didn't change shoes every game like they do today! Signatures are NRMT. An unbeatable piece with unbeatable provenance.