Inscribed ‘The unanimous Gift of the Thursday Cricket Society to their late President Mr Saml.Welch, 1788’ and ‘By manly exercise we promote health’ (pace M.Gatting) the badge dated from the earliest years of English cricket and as such attracted the interest of the MCC museum and that eminent collector, Sir Paul Getty.
The Star and Garter form alludes to the eponymous public house where Thursday Club noblemen met in 1774 to establish the first rules of the game, and the enamel miniature scene would appear to be Kennington Common, with the Horns tavern in the background. It sold to an anonymous buyer at £28,000 (plus 15 per cent premium and VAT).
Late 18th century cricketing badge enjoys long innings
The season has not quite begun, but this late 18th century cricketing badge enjoyed a long innings at Duke’s Dorchester salerooms on April 11-12.
