An incredible array of iconic items are coming up in the May 17 May Football in Focus & Sporting Memorabilia Auction. Here sale manager David Wilson-Turner highlights some of the top lots set to entice bidders.
Bronze celebrates ‘Mozart of football’
Football: Bronze figure of former Austrian professional footballer Matthias Sindelar. Made by Adolf Wagner, 1930, signed to base of bronze. Titled ‘M. Sindelar Austria Wien’. Figure measuring approx. 25cm height on marble base, 19cm without base.
Sindelar is regarded as one of the greatest Austrian football players of all time. He most notably played for Austria Vienna and the Austria national team. He was a centre-forward and was celebrated for his role within the national side in the 1930s that became known as the ‘Wunderteam’. Known as ‘The Mozart of Football’, he captained Austria in the 1934 World Cup, and renowned as one of the finest pre-war footballers.
On April 3, 1938, Austria played Germany in Vienna. The match itself was significant, as a few weeks earlier, Nazi Germany had annexed Austria (known as Anschluss) and they had absorbed the national team into Nazi Germany. This was Austria’s last international match until after World War II.
The match itself was dubbed ‘Anschlussspiel’, as it was planned as a celebration by the Nazi regime of Austria ‘coming home to the Reich’. At Sindelar’s order however, the Austrian team played in red-white-red strips, imitating the Austrian flag, rather than the traditional black and white. The game finished 2-0 to Austria, with Sindelar and teammate Karl Sesta scoring one goal each. It is claimed Sindelar celebrated extravagantly in front of senior Nazi dignitaries in attendance.
Refusing to leave his home country, Sindelar declined to play for the new German national team, citing old age as his excuse. He was 35 at this time. On January 23, 1939, Sindelar and his girlfriend were found dead in their apartment in Vienna. The official verdict concluded carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause. However, there was speculation that the deaths may have been caused by suicide or murder. It has been suggested Sindelar was killed for his opposition to the Anschluss, and it is known the Gestapo had a file on him. £200-£300
Iconic Paul Oz painting of Sir Stirling Moss
Motorsport: A framed, original, Paul Oz, Sir Stirling Moss portrait, signed by Sir Moss himself in 2011/12. There are few original pieces available on the market, and fewer signed by both the sitter and the artist. Paul Oz is famous for painting portraits among other subjects, piling on paint to create rich, deep textures with huge visual impact.
This painting was featured in Motor Sport Magazine in the October 2011 edition, and a sealed copy of this magazine is included with this purchase. The painting is in its original frame as prepared by Paul upon original purchase, and a copy of the original invoice is also included. Paul is still an active artist to this day, who also creates pieces of art in bronze and carbon among paintings. Measuring approx. 112cm x 99cm. Note: Artist Resale Rights Apply. £12,000-£15,000
1966 World Cup signatures
World Cup: A framed and glazed montage of signatures from the 1966 World Cup Final, to comprise: the full 1966 England World Cup 22-man squad, Gottfried Dienst (match referee for the final), Sir Alf Ramsey, Les Cocker, Harold Shepherdson, Helmut Schön and the West Germany starting team from the final.
Included in the montage is a small selection of photographs from the final, and a list of players that started the game for each side. Frame measuring approx. 115cm x 86cm. A great piece of history from a memorable year in English football. £800-£1,200
Gold Derbyshire football medals
Football: A collection of three assorted, 9ct gold hallmarked medal fobs to comprise: ‘Derbyshire Football Association Medal Competition Winners 1921-22’, ‘Vaughton Birmingham 1921’; ‘The Strutt Cup’, ‘J.W.T. Birmingham 1900(?)’; and ‘Derbyshire Football Shields Compt Senior Shield Winners 1924-5’, ‘Vaughton Birmingham 1924’.
Two medals have enamel on them with very slight damage. All three medals are upon a 9ct gold double albert link chain, width approx. 5mm, with double swivel clasp and T-bar (one clasp as found), length approx. 40cm, all links stamped .375. All links are present and intact, wear and tear commensurate with age. Gross weight approx. 64.88g; together with a silver and enameled hallmarked ‘Derbyshire Football Association, Medal Competition Winners 1920’, ‘Vaughton & Sons, Birmingham 1919. Gross weight approx. 13.9g. £600-£800
1983 Copa Del Rey ball signed by Barcelona players
Football: A signed football, signed by the players of FC Barcelona who played in the 1983 Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid in Zaragoza.
Some of the signatures are unfortunately faded, however Diego Maradona, Victor, Pedro Maria Artola, and three of the clearer autographs. The ball was given to the vendor by his friend’s grandfather when he lived and played for a youth team in Spain. It is believed that the ball was signed on the day of the game. Within perspex display. – £500-£800
Sir Stanley Matthews silverware
Football: A hallmarked silver salver, with inscription to front ‘Presented to Sir Stanley Matthews CBE by The Players of Hibernians Football Club Malta on the occasion of the Club Success in the Trophy Competition Season 1969-70′, with Sterling 925 stamp to reverse.
Appears generally in good condition with scratching to surface. Weight approx. 6.67ozt. Provenance: Louis Taylor Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers, Lot 327, 17th October 2000. £500-£700
Carabao Cup Final 2023 football
Football: A Carabao Cup Final 2023 match used football from Manchester United’s game against Newcastle United, at Wembley on February 26, 2023. Puma Size 5 Football. Some scuff and wear marks to the ball. The ball was donated to the vendor by the EFL Trust to be sold on behalf of the Outwoods Primary Friends Association. £500-£800
Catalogues/bidding | www.hansonslive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com
All enquiries/sports memorabilia valuations | David Wilson-Turner: [email protected]
