A SOUVENIR poster of the pioneering 1868 Australian Aboriginal cricket team is heading back Down Under after being sold by a Lichfield auctioneer.
The 159-year-old photographic print of the poster promoting the first Aussie sporting team to tour internationally – a full ten years before the Australian XI’s first official test match on British soil – sold for £3,200 at Richard Winterton Auctioneers.
The buyer for the framed picture, which was discovered in a box following a house clearance in Sutton Coldfield, was a telephone bidder calling from Australia.
The image shows members of the team, who had picked up the sport while working on cattle stations.
The poster was produced to promote the team’s six-month tour of England in 1868.
Each First Nations player was photographed in either customary cricketing pose or holding a weapon such as a boomerang or spear, as traditional skills were also showcased during exhibitions at the conclusion of a match.
Another copy of the print exists at the Australian National Portrait Gallery.
Auctioneer Richard Winterton said
“In different circumstances, this rare piece of Australian cultural and sporting history could easily have been thrown away.
“But we sift through everything inside and outside a property as value can so often come from anywhere, sometimes where you least expect it.
“Well done to the team for their diligence in fielding this special cricketing artefact – it’s a great example of the treasures which can be found out there, often hidden in plain sight.”
The six-month 1868 tour typically saw the team play two or three matches a week, winning 14 and drawing 19 of 47 games.
Johnny Mullagh was the outstanding player, scoring a total of 1,698 runs and 245 wickets.
Valuer David Fergus said:
“Given the pioneering nature of the team and their success on the pitch, it’s rather poignant that they disbanded on returning home. Nevertheless, the tour’s place in cricketing history was already assured.
“The importance is especially emphasised by the cultural crossover of heritage and sport, with the Aboriginal team showcasing traditional skills alongside their cricketing prowess.
“There was a huge amount of interest in the poster and on auction day we were bowled over to watch the bidding run up and see its story carry on by travelling back to Australia.”
