The Kentucky Colonels were one of the original ABA teams formed in 1967. When the NBA-ABA merger occurred in 1976 the Colonels became one of the defunct teams even though they had the highest number of wins in the league. With the signing of Artis Gilmore in 1971 the Colonels became a powerhouse team winning 68/84 games in the season which would go on to be the all-time ABA record. The 1974-75 season would turn out to be the best with the team achieving their first championship win. Artis Gilmore, Louie Dampier and Dan Issel helped the team defeat the Indiana Pacers 4-1 in the championship. This size 14.5 (37g / 1.3oz) 1975 ABA Championship player’s ring was presented to hall of famer Artis Gilmore. The face of the ring features a CZ or white sapphire in the center and is surrounded by “Kentucky Colonels” and “World Champions”. The left side of the ring reads “Gilmore” with the Colonels logo beneath. The right side features the statistics of the team and the stadium name “Freedom Hall”. The inside of the ring is marked with “Artis Gilmore” with “Jostens 10K” appearing below his name. The condition of the ring is very good with only minor signs of wear. Artis Gilmore lost his original Kentucky Colonels ring and this ring is a replacement ordered by Gilmore’s former Colonels teammates. This item comes directly from Artis Gilmore and is accompanied by his LOA.