Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Football, Golf & Sporting Memorabilia

Cricket stumps circa 1790’s to 1820. Three oval, rather than circular, cricket stumps used during this early period. The stumps each have a narrow binding about an inch from the top, although one is now missing. The stumps measures 24” (above the ground) and flare noticeably towards the toe measuring 1.25” wide at the base and finish 0.87” at the top, The three stumps had wooden tongues to allow them to be set into the ground, one stump has lost this feature. During this period, the wicket was set to measure 7” so the bails would measure 3.5” each. After 1816 ‘throwing’ (raising the bowling arm above 90 degrees) became rife in English cricket as the bowlers sought to combat ever improving batting techniques and improved pitches. Rather than allow this, the M.C.C. sought other ways to assist the hard pressed bowlers. In 1820 the rules were changed to heighten the stumps by two inches from 24” to 26” and to allow a new ball at the start of each innings. It should also be noted that, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the ball could still pass through the wicket without disturbing the bails. A rule change in 1823 prevented this from continuing. These historic stumps were probably made and used before the current Lord’s ground was opened in 1814. One of the stumps as mentioned previously is missing its narrow binding at the top and one is missing its wooden tongue to the foot otherwise in good original condition. Sold with the vendors notes on the items. Historic items from the early days of the game