The discovery of a unique slice of football history kicked off the first valuation day since lockdown at Hansons’ Staffordshire Auction House, Bishton Hall, writes Adrian Rathbone.
Kate Bliss, a familiar face on TV and consultant valuer for Hansons, was on hand to assess jewellery, silver and watches. Among £13,000 worth of stock valued were diamond rings, Rolex and other luxury watches and silver in plentiful supply. It was, however, a tiny gold medal which really caught Kate’s eye.
Suspended on a watch chain was a 1930 Football League 3rd Division North winner’s medal presented to former Port Vale stalwart Reginald ‘Roger’ Jones – a man who spent his entire professional playing career with his local club.
Jones, born in Burslem, Staffordshire in 1902, played left-half for Port Vale from 1923 to 1937. He started out with non-league sides Middleport and Ravensdale before joining Vale at the age of 21.
Make a date with Kate
He made his Second Division debut for Vale in the 1923–24 season and scored his first senior goal on March 10, 1928, in a 3-1 win over Southampton at The Dell. He hit four goals in 19 games in 1928-29, including two in an 8–1 demolition of West Bromwich Albion at The Old Recreation Ground on March 9. When Vale won the Third Division North title in 1929–30, Jones featuring in 38 league games throughout the campaign.
He was released at the end of the 1936-37 season. Ironically he had just enjoyed his most prolific season, scoring nine goals in 39 games, including hat-tricks against Mansfield Town and Halifax Town. He died at the age of 65 in 1967.
Kate Bliss, a consultant valuer for Hansons, said: “It is extraordinary when little snippets of history appear. Reginald Roger Jones was a notable player and an integral part of Port Vale’s history and Staffordshire’s sporting heritage. The vendor was also able to provide us with some photographs of the sportsman which is really nice. It’s wonderful to put a face to the award.”
Reginald ‘Roger’ Jones medal is being offered in Hansons Sporting Memorabilia Auction at Etwall on August 19 and is expected to fetch more than £1,000.
Free Valuations at Bishton Hall
Find out if you are sitting on a fortune at Hansons’ weekly, free valuation days at the historical setting of Bishton Hall – Hansons’ Staffordshire Auction House, Wolseley Bridge, Staffs ST17 0XN.
From books, pottery, pictures and silver to jewellery, watches and furniture – our team of valuers can advise on all aspects. Following government guidelines, the valuation days are free, safe and contactless and are held every Thursday from 10am to 4pm. There is no need to make an appointment, just drop by and our team will look after you. Hansons selling fees are now a flat 15% plus VAT with no hidden entry fees or other extras.
Kate Bliss visits Bishton Hall once a month to offer free valuations of jewellery, watches and silver and her next date is Thursday, August 20, 10am-3pm.
Free home visits can also be arranged for large/multiple items which clients are considering selling or downsizing/estate clearance advice.
For further information, please contact Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director on 07843 061921 or email [email protected].
FREE Valuations With Kate Bliss in Derbyshire
Kate Bliss will offer free jewllery, silver and watch valuations at Etwall Auction Centre, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS on Wednesday, July 22, 10am-3pm. No appointment necessary.
