A cigar lighter that once belonged to legendary Derby County manager Jim Smith is up for auction after it was gifted to a lucky Rams fan after a momentous game in the club’s history.
And though it has a humble estimate of £50-£80, it’s hoped it
will light up the saleroom when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers
on August 19.
Lifelong Derby County supporter Karl Martin was allowed to keep the lighter, together with some cigars bought by former Rams player Paulo Wanchope, after an unforgettable night in the director’s lounge. The event took place after the last ever game played at the club’s former home, the Baseball Ground.
Karl, 50, from Derby, a valuer at Hanspns, said: “It was the last game of the season on May 11, 1997 – the final match played at the Baseball Ground before the move to Pride Park Stadium and its eventual demolition. Derby lost 3-1 to Arsenal but spirits were high on what was quite an emotional day for fans.
Karl Martin with the lighter.
“The Baseball Ground had its faults but Rams fans loved it. You felt so close to the players and the atmosphere was so intense. After the match, I joined three other businessmen to have a drink with the Derby players and ended up spending the evening in the directors’ lounge with former club owner Lionel Pickering and manager Jim Smith. We had a lot of free drinks!
“What a day it was. I also met legendary footballer Ian Wright after the game, unfortunately spoiling a Match of the Day interview!
“I was allowed to keep Jim Smith’s lighter, which he kept on his desk at the Baseball Ground, and some cigars Paulo Wanchope had brought back from Costa Rica. I’ll never forget going to Derby’s Cambridge pub later. Lots of people were smoking cigars and I offered to light them up with the Bald Eagle’s desk lighter. That was Jim’s nickname. The fans used to sing, ‘He’s got no hair, but we don’t care’.”
Former Rams manager Jim Smith and his lighter.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons and fellow Derby County supporter, said: “The black and gold lighter reflects the gilt-edged times of Derby County. It’s a very special memento for one lucky fan, marking the end of Derby’s tenure at the Baseball Ground in 1997.
“What a wonderful man Jim Smith was for Derby County. He took the Rams up to the Premiership in the 1995-1996 season, and who can forget the Paulo Wanchope wonder goal in a memorable away victory against Manchester United? Jim brought success to Derby County and signed some memorable players such as Croatian Igor Stimac.
“This lighter represents a time when Derby County were fired up for success, a time when they ran opponents around in a blaze of glory.
“By 1998 Derby County had moved to Pride Park and the Baseball Ground, sadly for many, became an iconic memory.”
Charles Hanson; a turnstile from DCFC’s former home, the Baseball Ground.
Jim Smith’s hexagonal cigar lighter with miniature miner’s lamp inside, lot 4133, will be sold at Hansons’ Football in Focus and Sports Memorabilia Auction on Wednesday, August 19, estimate £50-80.
Charles said: “We expect it will create a lot of local interest and I sincerely hope it’s bought by a Derby County fan. Hopefully it will light up some more cigars again when Derby County reach the summit of the Premiership!”
In the same auction, an original turnstile from the Baseball Ground is coming up for sale, lot 4131, estimate £400-£600. View the catalogue at www.hansonlive.co.uk. For further details about Hansons’ sports memorabilia auction, or to arrange a free valuation, email [email protected].
