Original Type I photograph capturing Bill Russell arriving in Boston to join the Boston Celtics in December 1956. Russell had just returned from Australia after leading the United States basketball team to a Gold Medal in the Summer Olympics and is seen here signing an autograph for a young fan as Russell's wife, Rose, looks on. Russell's arrival was a major event, as evidenced by the large Boston Celtics "Key to the City" that was presented to him upon his arrival. This is the earliest Bill Russell Boston Celtics photo we have seen, and it is hard to imagine any earlier examples exist, given that it pictures him just prior to officially joining the Celtics in mid-season. Numerous handwritten editorial notations appear on the reverse, as well as a date stamp reading "Dec 17 12:27 AM '56." The photo (7x9"), which is slightly trimmed to its current dimensions, displays tack holes, several edge tears that have been repaired with clear tape on both the front and reverse, and heavy editorial shading. Encapsulated as Type I Authentic by PSA.