Salesman sample "miniatures" were used by door-to-door peddlers in the old days to demonstrate oversize products. . Prototypes such as these are heavily coveted by antique collectors and are quite valuable. This is the first sports one we have ever seen - a basketball basket stanchion, complete with backboard. A highly technical piece that hung from the ceiling of an arena or gymnasium. It measures 16.75" x 3" x 6.75" and comes in its original wood case. It's condition is like new and is elevated by its beautiful detail. A decade before the formation of the league now known as the NBA, basketball was still in its developmental stages, although the game was invented in the late 19th Century and there were a handful of relatively unsuccessful professional leagues shortly thereafter.