RED CARPET FOR A HOST OF ‘BAGGY GREENS’
Announcement posted by Michael Krape Consulting 11 Feb 2025
No item of cricket memorabilia comes close to celebrating Australia's unique position in international cricket like the famed 'Baggy Green' cap.
The forerunner of the current 'Baggy Green' was first presented to Australian Test players in the early 1900s. It is considered a symbol of national pride in Australia, with its reputation growing with each passing year.
Its status was acknowledged by Roger Knight, chief executive of the Lord's-based Marylebone Cricket Club, who declared that the 'Baggy Green' is "the most famous cricket cap in the world."
Unlike any other item of a cricketer's kit, no-one can replicate the 'Baggy Green'. Any attempt to do so is likely to face prosecution by Cricket Australia or its manufacturer, Kookaburra Sport.
The current Sporting Memorabilia auction will feature six 'Baggy Green' caps, one of which was worn during the 'Invincibles' tour of England in 1948. The Australian team was considered to be 'invincible', after being the only Test match side to play an entire tour of England without losing a match.
Many of its team members were legends of the game, including Sir Donald Bradman, Lindsay Hassett, Sid Barnes, and Ray Lindwall.
The cap worn by Barnes will be offered for sale at this auction.
The auction will also feature a blazer worn by Lindsay Hassett. This is extremely rare as very few items of official clothing from the 'Invincibles' tour has been offered for public sale. Its pre-sale estimate is $5,000 - $7,500 (Lot 315).
"The 'Baggy Green' cap has become short-hand for Australian sporting achievement," says Charles Leski, lead auctioneer of Leski Auctions.
"Most recently, the presentation by former Test captain, Mark Taylor, of 'Baggy Green' no. 468 to Sam Konstas at the start of the 2024 Boxing Day Test at the MCG, was covered by international media.
"We have been privileged to sell some of the most coveted 'Baggy Green' caps, including those worn by Sir Donald Bradman and Shane Warne."
Lot 322: 1948 Australian Test Team Baggy Green cap worn by Sid Barnes. Green wool with embroidered Coat of Arms and 1948 on the front panel. The lot includes a letter of authenticity dated July, 1992. Housed in custom made Perspex case with marble base.
Pre-sale estimate is $25,000 - $35,000.
The auction will be held on February 12 & 13 from 12.00pm. Details can be found at www.leski.com.au
Lot 322: 1948 Australian Test Team Baggy Green cap worn by Sid Barnes. Green wool with embroidered Coat of Arms and 1948 on the front panel. The lot includes a letter of authenticity dated July, 1992. Housed in custom made Perspex case with marble base.
Pre-sale estimate is $25,000 - $35,000.
Details available at www.leski.com.au/auction/sporting-memorabilia-4/)
About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia's leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately. Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton. It has sold more Brownlow Medals and 'baggy green' caps than any other auction house in the world.
Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Cultural Gifts Program. He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.
The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.
Tel +61 3 8539 6150/+61 412 053 692 and www.leski.com.au