As a football fan no-one was more delighted than me to see fixtures kick off again, starting with a fine win for my beloved Derby County.
And, as the found-in-lockdown treasures keep coming in (you have been busy!) I was reminded of the Rams’ glory days by a fine collection of DCFC football programmes dating back to 1969-70.
Vintage programmes, particularly relating to important times in a club’s history, are often sought after and as any self-respecting Derby County fan will know, the late 1960s and early 70s gave supporters magical memories that remain with us today.
In 1967, managerial legends Brian Clough and Peter Taylor led the Rams to their greatest glory. Derby were promoted to the First Division in 1969, finished fourth in 1970 and won their first ever Football League Championship in 1972. They were the best team in the land. The following season, they reached the semi-finals of the European Cup.
The Rams programmes, found in a Derbyshire loft, will enter our August 17 sports memorabilia sale with an estimate of £150-£200. The football memorabilia market is huge so dig out those finds. Vintage football programmes, tickets, autographs, signed or rare shirts must be with us by July 31 to enter our next sports memorabilia sale. It would be wonderful to have a Brian Clough-themed auction packed with nostalgic items inspiring classic Clough anecdotes.
Another lockdown find that celebrates all things local is a bread crumbs jar by South Derbyshire’s T G Green pottery. It’s part of a trio of striking blue and white striped Cornishware kitchenalia including a vinegar and salt container. Cornishware is making a real comeback in modern kitchens. This set has an estimate of £70-£100 but could fly higher.
Cornishware dates back to the 1920s. It was trademarked and manufactured by T G Green & Co at their factory in Church Gresley, near Swadlincote. It was a huge success and exported around the world. The company ceased production in June 2007 but the range was revived in 2009 after T G Green was bought by British investors.
The name Cornishware came from an observation by a T G Green salesmen. He said the blue on the pottery reminded him of the sky and sea in Cornwall. As landlocked Derbyshire is one of the furthest points from the sea in Britain, we all like to be reminded of the coast.
Another newly discovered object with local connections is a set of neo-classical Wedgwood jasperware plaque ‘buttons’ in a period frame dating back to 1785. These 235-year-old ornaments were made to imitate intaglios and cameos found during excavations of ancient Roman sites in Italy at that time.
Jasperware was developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1770s to meet demand for these items in noble homes. Jasperware has an unglazed matte ‘biscuit’ finish and is commonly pale blue, known as Wedgwood Blue. Relief decorations, usually in white, provide the cameo effect. The item has an estimate of £150-£250.
Rare antique dolls can set collectors’ pulses racing and one just in is a George III wooden, hand-painted peg doll. It dates back to 1810 and epitomises Georgian style, resplendent in a plush emerald green dress of the period.
Peg dolls originated in Germany as simple lathe-turned dolls. Originally, they were sold undressed and children would make their clothing from scraps of fabric. The original Georgian dress worn by the doll we have found may indicate it originates from a wealthy home. Peg dolls are highly collectable and this example could make £1,000 at auction.
The eclectic nature of my job is why I love it so much and my final lockdown find is, perhaps, the most amazing. It is a fantastic archive relating Sir Winston Churchill’s personal chauffeur Reginald Parker. Found in an old suitcase in a Hilton loft more than 20 years ago, it includes a photo of Churchill’s car outside 10 Downing Street and driver instructions. For example, notes tell the chauffeur what time to pick up the former British prime minister from London railway stations.
Its owner, from Hilton, said the ephemera nearly ended up being thrown away during a house clearance in the late 1990s. However, she was so fascinated by it she put it away in a jigsaw box and rediscovered it during a clear-out while on furlough. Estimate £250-£350.
From kitchen crumb jars and toys of yesteryear, to antique Wedgwood and historical ephemera, these finds demonstrate yet again the wonders that many of you have tucked away at home. Free valuations are available at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, DE65 6LS, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Wednesday 5-7.30pm and Saturday, 9am-noon.
