A signed Wilf Mannion England Football Cap from 13th October 1946 is one of the sale’s highlights. Wilf Mannion was arguably Middlesbrough’s greatest ever forward and this cap is estimated to sell for £1,300-£1,700. The game, England v Wales, was played at Manchester City’s ground, Main Road and England won 3-0 with Mannion scoring two goals and setting up the third.
For collectors, there are also several hundred football programmes some dating back to the 1930’s and some from FA Cup finals.
Other sports represented in the sale are cricket, horseracing and hunting. Also there are a number of lots of taxidermy, trophy heads and fishing tackle including Hardy Brothers, Alnwick.
Letters, diaries, and documents make fascinating reading for anyone interested in modern British history and along with photographs and medals for great bravery and distinguished conduct, they give an insight into the amazing experiences and service life of some of the courageous servicemen who fought for Great Britain through past wars and conflicts. The Militaria section includes a number of such medals, photographs and related documents from servicemen who served in both the First and Second World Wars.
A Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) (1937-47) was awarded to Sergeant Edward Bailey of Middlesbrough for gallantry in Malta. Sergeant Bailey was in command of a Bofors gun detachment on an aerodrome where he showed great bravely and coolness when bombs fell on the gun position. He kept the gun firing during two or three such raids until a bomb put his gun out of action. Sergeant Bailey was born in 1917 and he enlisted in 1940. The DCM is part of lot 169 which includes official letters, his 1944 diary, newspaper cuttings and related ephemera and is estimated to sell for £3,000-£4,000.
Other highlights include a large collection of edged weapons, some dating back to the 18th century, helmets and uniforms, a collection of pistols, shotguns and antique firearms. The sale also includes a number of lots relating to the Third Reich including an unusual and rare item to come onto the market – a Third Reich 1936 Olympic Games Sash estimated at £250-£350.
Tennants are now inviting entries for their next Sporting & Militaria Sale to be held on 5th December 2008. Please contact Oonagh Drage or Nick Lambert on +44 (0)1969 623780
Auction info www.tennants.co.uk
