Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Football & Sporting Memorabilia
To be held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
31st October, 1st & 2nd November 2025
Lot 380
Estimate: £300/500
Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji. Cambridge University, Sussex, London County & England 1893-1920. Original pen and ink artwork on card for a cartoon printed and published in Punch in the 20th March 1907 issue. The cartoon depicts Ranji standing full length wearing formal Indian attire and headgear with additional cricket leg guards and holding a cricket bat in his arms across his chest. Alongside Ranji is Alderman Brodrick in frock coat. Handwritten title ‘A Pair of Potentates [autocratic rulers]’ and caption to lower border, ‘Alderman Brodrick (to Ranji of Nawanagar) “Well, so at last our claims have been recognised. You’re a Jam, and I’m an Alderman, (aside, enviously): Wish they gave me an official kit”. The artwork signed to the lower right corner by the artist, Bernard Partridge. 11.75”x15.5”. Previously sold by Knights. Some worm damage to the lower portion of the artwork, otherwise in good/ very good condition. An excellent image.
In 1907 Ranji assumed the throne of Nawanagar, becoming the Jam Sahib. ‘Alderman Brodrick’ was styled as St John Brodrick until 1907 and as Viscount Middleton between 1907 and 1920. He served as a Conservative MP 1880-1906. Bernard Partridge was an illustrator and actor under the name Bernard Gould. He joined the staff of Punch in 1891 and became its chief cartoonist in 1909.


