Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Football, Golf & Sporting Memorabilia
To be held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
4th, 5th & 6th July 2025
Lot 244
Estimate: £200/300
Robert Arthur Thoms, Umpire. ‘Earl of Sheffield’s XI v Australians 1893’. Rare original invitation card, ‘The Earl of Sheffield requests the Honor of Mr Thoms company to Luncheon at Sheffield Park, May 9th 1893 at two o’clock precisely. Ticket to be presented on entering the tent. Tea and coffee will be served at five o’clock. The favour of an answer is requested’ The invitation card with Lord Sheffield ‘crown’ emblem in gilt to top, wording on the card printed in mauve and blue, gilt to all edges. Minor foxing otherwise in very good condition. A scarce invitation. Previously sold in the Christie’s auction of October 1987 and by Knights in May 2017
The Earl of Sheffield’s XI including W.G. Grace, Captain, Stoddart, Shrewsbury, W. Gunn, Attewell, Lockwood, Briggs, Peel etc won the match by 8 wickets. For the Earl of Sheffield’s XI, Grace made 63, Shrewsbury 62 and Gunn 56 and Lockwood took nine wickets in the match. For Australia, who followed on, Graham top scored with 32, Coningham 29 & 26, McLeod 24 & 25 and Giffen took six and Coningham 5 wickets in the match. This was Australia’s opening tour match. R.P. Carpenter and R.A. Thoms officiated at the match