Every memento of Sir Don Bradman is a priceless treasure. One such gem was carefully kept by a family. The memento, which was hidden from public view for more than 75 years, is finally coming to light. A Test cap of the greatest batsman of all time is being auctioned.
The renowned company ‘Lloyd’s Auctions’ is auctioning the cap. The auction will continue until ‘Australia Day’ on January 26.
Australia’s Test cap is known as the ‘Baggy Green’. This cap is a symbol of respect and dignity for Australians. Bradman is considered Australia’s most popular sportsman of all time. Even 77 years after he retired from the game and 24 years after his death, Australians have no end to his passion and love for him. Last year, one of his Baggy Greens was sold for $479,700. In 2020, another of his Baggy Greens was sold for $450,000.
This cap is special. It is well known that most of Bradman’s memorabilia is in museums or private collections. This cap was unknown until now.
Bradman himself gifted this cap to a teammate during the last part of his Test career. The cricketer’s family has kept the cap for more than 75 years. It has never been brought to light, sold or even announced.
After following all the authentication procedures, it has been confirmed that this is Bradman’s baggy green. Cricket historians say that it is very rare for a memorabilia with such a direct and clear connection to Bradman to be revealed for such a long time, especially if it has been kept in the same ownership continuously.
Baggy greens from the 1940s are already rare. At that time, cricketers were usually given one baggy green per series, and extra caps were rarely made. Over time, many caps have been lost or damaged. Every little thing that survives is a piece of history. If it is Bradman’s, then it is priceless.
According to Lee Hames, chief operating officer of Lloyd’s Auctions, this is the most fascinating Bradman memorabilia to be auctioned yet.
“This is a genuine piece of cricketing history, personally gifted by Sir Don Bradman. Having been in the same family for 75 years and with a direct connection to Don, it is the most fascinating and significant Bradman memorabilia to ever come up for auction.”
“The auction closes on Australia Day, and it will have a special national resonance for collectors as it is a tribute to our sporting heritage.”
Bradman played 52 Tests for Australia between 1928 and 1948. He is undisputed as the greatest batsman of all time. His Test batting average (99.94) is considered the highest in world history for excellence and excellence in any sport. Many of his feats still amaze, and many records are believed to never be broken. The best part of his career was interrupted by World War II for six years. Otherwise, it is believed that his records and statistics would have been even more impressive.
