Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Football & Sporting Memorabilia

To be held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
31st October, 1st & 2nd November 2025

Alfred Shaw. Nottinghamshire, Sussex & England 1864-1897. Rare and early single page handwritten letter from Shaw to J.M. Cotterill (Sussex 1870-1888), dated 17th January 1879. Shaw is inviting Cotterill to play in his benefit match, ‘Will you favor me by consenting to have your name added to the list of players in the North v South match to be played at Lord’s on June 2nd, 3rd & 4th (Whit Monday etc) for my benefit’. Very nicely signed ‘Alfred Shaw’. The letter is laid down with, to the verso, a mono cabinet card photograph of ‘The Gloucestershire Cricketers’ featuring W.G. Grace, Wyatt, G.F. Grace, Heath, Townsend etc. This same image was used as a bookplate photograph for the Lillywhite’s Annual, but this card would have been printed and produced separately. The letter in somewhat fragile condition with nicks and tears, the cabinet card with some soiling, otherwise in good condition.
The South v North match was a low scoring affair hampered by rain, affecting the receipts (and Shaw’s pocket). W.G. Grace generously offered Shaw the proceeds from his Testimonial match, Over 30s v Under 30s, which was similarly affected by poor weather. J.M. Cotterill did not play in either game, and indeed played no first-class cricket in 1879, due to his commitments as a surgeon in Edinburgh.

Back to top