It’s always good to feel appreciated and an item given to a Derby County stalwart by Rams players during the Second World War must have filled him with delight.
Our December sales include a silver cigarette case inscribed ‘To Gill, from the Players, Derby County F.C. 1941-45’. Hallmarked Morgan & Boon, Birmingham, 1944, it was given to former Derby County director Gilbert Dickenson. It’s being sold together with a half pint ‘Derby Regatta 1913 C. Dickenson’ mug; a hallmarked silver pocket watch, Robert Oliver, London, 1874, and a Royal Cauldon Allsopp’s advertising jug.
This historical collection, lot 4312, has an estimate £80-£120.
It’s one of several items in Hansons’ December 2 Sports Memorabilia Auction which were uncovered in Mr Dickenson’s former family home in Littleover.
The extraordinary DCFC memorabilia also includes a signed photo of the 1946 FA Cup winning team (lot 4318, £150-£250); numerous football programmes, documents relating to the club’s finances; a 1937-38 season ticket and a photo album from the team’s visit to Germany in 1934 (lot 4320, £150-£200). It includes a picture of Derby County players giving the Nazi salute. They were ordered to do so by Hitler’s officials – backed by British diplomats. However, goalkeeper Jack Kirby famously refused.
Gilbert was a director of Derby County from the late 1930s to the mid-50s. He passed away at the age of 68 in 1959 and, following the death of his son, Kenneth, at the age of 86 in January 2021, the family home had to be cleared. It was a treasure trove of discovery as nothing had been thrown away, leading to some magical Derby County finds.
The December 2 Sports Memorabilia catalogue can be viewed at www.hansonslive.co.uk. Entries invited for Hansons’ 2022 sporting sales. To book a free sports memorabilia valuation, please email David Wilson-Turner: [email protected]
