Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Football, Golf & Sporting Memorabilia
To be held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
4th, 5th & 6th July 2025
Lot 250
Estimate: £250/350
Arthur William Fitzroy Somerset. Sussex & London County 1892-1905. ‘Earl of Sheffield’s XI v South Africa 1894’. Rare original shield shaped folding invitation card, ‘Cricket Match between the South African Eleven and The Earl of Sheffield’s Eleven in Sheffield Park on May 22nd & 23rd. Admit Mr Somerset (in ink) to the Private Marquee’. Signed in ink ‘Sheffield’. The ornate and exquisite invitation card with raised South African Cape emblem to centre, Lord Sheffield ‘crown’ emblem in gilt to base, crossed cricket bats, stumps and ball to top corners, the whole interwoven with floral decoration, gilt to all edges. Rare to see Lord Sheffield’s signature. Minor foxing to the back of the card otherwise in good original condition
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