RARE ‘BAGGY GREEN’ FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF CRICKET
Media Release 29 August, 2018
RARE ‘BAGGY GREEN’ FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF CRICKET
Warren Bardsley was robbed of the best years of his cricketing life. Like many of his peers, World War One put the brakes on his career. Unlike most of them, ‘Curly’ Bardsley was a cricketing phenomenon whose record of 53 centuries in first class cricket stands alongside the achievements of Australian legends, Don Bradman and Lindsay Hassett.
Remarkably, the only ‘baggy green’ known to exist from 1921 belonged to Bardsley who was awarded the cap prior to the Australian team’s tour of England. His ‘baggy green’ and Australian team blazer from the tour will be offered for sale by Leski Auctions on Sunday, September 2.
In a sport that ranks in the top 10 of the most played sports in the world, cricket is believed to have a playing community of around eight to ten percent of the world’s population. Many would be aware of the iconic status of the “baggy green”, arguably the unofficial mascot of the sport.
Leski Auctions is the auction house most closely associated internationally with cricket memorabilia. It has sold more Bradman ‘baggy greens’ than any other auction house, including the Australian captain’s ‘baggy green’ from the 1948 Invincibles Tour of England.
“If not for the war, Warren Bardsley could have enjoyed greater success than Don Bradman,” says Charles Leski. “Despite the gap, Australia’s opening batsman produced some remarkable scores. In 1909 against England, he became the first player in Test history to register centuries in each innings.”
Lot 206 has a pre-sale estimate of $25,000 – $30,000. (NB: Image available at https://www.leski.com.au/images/lot/3565/356578_0.jpg?1533892682)
The lot will be offered by Leski Auctions (www.leski.com.au) on Sunday, 2 September from 3.00pm.
About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia’s leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately. Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton. It has sold more ‘baggy green’ caps than any other auction house in the world.
Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts’ Cultural Gifts Program. He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne. Harry Glenn, an industry veteran with more than 20 years experience, has been working with Charles since 2012.
The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.
Tel +61 3 8539 6150 and www.leski.com.au
Issued by: Charles Leski, Leski Auctions Michael Krape, Michael Krape Consulting
Tel: +61 (0) 412 053 692 Tel: +61 (0) 403 135 880
[email protected] [email protected]