While Sir Donald Bradman was the model of quiet diplomacy on the field, Sam Loxton was the polar opposite: a fierce and determined fighter who never gave an inch to Australia’s competitors. Their collaboration in the 1948 ‘Invincibles’ tour of England helped to shape Australia’s standing as the world’s greatest cricketing nation.
The ‘Invincibles’ rewrote the history books when Australia returned home without losing a single match, a feat that has never been repeated by any national team. It remains the defining moment in international cricket and the reason why ‘Invincibles’-related memorabilia is in such high demand.
Melbourne-based Mossgreen will auction a selection of ‘Invincibles’ memorabilia, including a ‘baggy green’ Test cap worn by Sam Loxton. As was the custom, this cap features the year – ‘1948’ – under the Australian Coat-of-Arms and ‘S.J.Loxton’ on the label.
“Loxton was an aggressive and intimidating competitor, whether playing cricket or VFL football,” says Charles Leski. “This probably wouldn’t be tolerated today, but there is no question that his tactics worked in Australia’s favour.
“‘Baggy greens’ from the ‘Invincibles’ era are rarely offered for public sale. They’re particularly sought after by people who appreciate how significant the humiliation of the English was and how this was seen as a first step in Australia’s post-war separation from England.”
Lot 132 (Loxton’s ‘baggy green’ Test cap) has a pre-sale estimate of AUD$25,000 – AUD$30,000.
The lot will be offered for sale by Mossgreen in Melbourne on Tuesday, February 3rd at 10.00am.
Single-owner auction specialist, Mossgreen, and Leski Auctions, one of Australia’s largest auctioneers of coins, stamps and sporting memorabilia merged in July 2013.
Leski Auctions, established in 1973, previously sold many significant collections, including those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton. Leski Auctions also sold more ‘baggy green’ caps than any other auction house in the world, sold the Phar Lap horse tonic recipe book for almost $38,000 and achieved a world record price for a Don Bradman cricket bat.
Founded in 2004, Mossgreen is Australia’s first combined Auction House and Art Gallery – a unique business specialising in the sale of single-owner collections at auction and the promotion of a select group of Australian artists.
Mossgreen is now Australia’s largest multi-department auction house, offering expertise and auctions in Fine Australian & International Art, Australian Indigenous Art, Asian Art, Jewellery, Luxury Accessories, European Decorative Arts, Stamps & Coins, Sporting Memorabilia and Collectables.
Mossgreen is based in Melbourne, with representative offices in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.
Charles Leski is a Director at Mossgreen and a registered valuer for the Cultural Gifts Program through the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.
Issued by:
Charles Leski, Mossgreen
t. 61 (0) 3 9508 8888
Michael Krape, Michael Krape Consulting
m.61 (0) 403 135 88
Mossgreen Auctions Monday–Friday 10am-5pm
Mossgreen Gallery Monday–Friday 10am-5.30pm & Saturday–Sunday 10am-5pm
Mossgreen Tearooms Monday–Sunday 8am-5pm
926-930 High Street, Armadale VIC 3143
t. 03 9508 8888 |
Sydney
Martyn Cook Antiques, 98 Barcom Avenue, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
