1924 All Black 'Invincibles' Signed Rugby Ball: What an obje...

Hammer

£400

1924 All Black 'Invincibles' Signed Rugby Ball: What an object! An historic survivor almost providing its own provenance. A tad less oval than today, the case of a leather rugby ball of the period, now tissue-stuffed, lace present. With some fading but legible, the legend 'Presented to Stanley Darbey by the Second All Blacks, 1924-5' and the neatly organised signatures in black ink of the touring party, including of course skipper Cliff Porter, and the young genius George Nepia, who won all 32 of their games. Whether for love or otherwise, the small section signed by 'Gus' Hart has been removed, while elsewhere heavy rubbing has all but erased traces of Bill Dalley's name. Stanley Darbey, the named recipient, was a bootmaker & retailer in Newton Abbott, often the base for periods of their tours for New Zealand sides from 1905 on; he had clearly earned their gratitude. A wonderful piece of Invincibles memorabilia: hard to find another such! O/wise VG for age