This silver tea service was presented by Stoke City FC to footballer Stanley Matthews (1915-2000) to mark his record 44th cap for England.
Nicknamed ‘the wizard of the dribble’, Matthews made his record international appearance in the 2-0 win against Belgium in January 1946. He was presented with the service shortly before he moved to Blackpool after what the press described as a ‘bust-up’ with Stoke’s manager Bob McGory. The outside right would later return to Stoke where he played in the top flight until he was 50.
The service, which was made by Pidduck & Sons of Sheffield in 1932, consists of a teapot, hot water jug, sugar bowl and milk jug. Each piece is monogrammed SM.
It is being sold on the 2Covet antique portal with an asking price of £18,500 by Charles Wallrock of Wick Antiques.
