Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Football, Golf & Sporting Memorabilia
To be held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
4th, 5th & 6th July 2025
Lot 248
Estimate: £180/250
Robert Arthur Thoms, Umpire. ‘Earl of Sheffield’s XI v South Africa 1894’. Rare original invitation card, ‘The Earl of Sheffield requests the Honor of Mr Thoms company to Luncheon at Sheffield Park, May 22nd 1894 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 red, gilt to all edges. Minor staining 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 Murdoch, Brann, Briggs, Humphreys, Butt, Newham etc won the match by 10 wickets. For the Earl of Sheffield’s XI, Payne made 43, Wentworth 41, Briggs 29 and Humphrey and Briggs each, took nine wickets in the match. For South Africa, who followed on, Routledge made 50, Sewell 30, Halliwell 20 and Rowe took 8-52 in Lords Sheffield’s XI first innings. This was South Africa’s opening tour match. R.P. Carpenter and R.A. Thoms officiated at the match