Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Football & Sporting Memorabilia

John Lillywhite. Sussex & Middlesex 1850-1869. Lillywhite’s Benefit 1871. Original ornate admission ticket for the match played ‘Under the Patronage of the Sussex County Cricket Club. The Gentlemen of England versus the Players of England. John Lillywhite begs respectfully to announce that the above Match will be Played for his Benefit at Brighton, Aug. 14th, 15th & 16th 1871. The Gentlemen will be selected by V.E. and I.D. Walker Esqs.’. The large ticket, more akin to an invitation in appearance than a traditional match ticket, comprises an original sepia portrait cameo photograph of Lillywhite to the top centre and decorative borders. Each of the four corners features an illustrated roundel of Lillywhite titled ‘Faith’, ‘Hope’, ‘Perseverance’ and ‘Charity’ describing his achievements including his first appearance at Brighton in 1850, notable batting performances, and his last match at Brighton in 1869. The ticket, measuring 7.25”x4.75”, retains the stubs for each of the three day’s play attached to the left edge, and is laid down to a copper coloured mount, framed and glazed overall 10.5”x7.75”. Laid down to the backboard is a newspaper cutting from the Athletic Record, June 1896, describing this 1871 Benefit match and the admission card, ‘one of the most elaborate... specially lithographed and embellished’. Some age toning to the ticket, otherwise in very good condition.