1868 Australian Aboriginal cricket team England tour souvenir soars to £3,200 at Lichfield auction

Aussie telephone bidder's win

A SOUVENIR poster of the pioneering 1868 Australian Aboriginal cricket team is set to retun to Oz after going under the hammer in Lichfield this week.

The first-ever Aussie sporting team to tour internationally – a full 10 years before the Australian XI’s first official test match on British soil – its members had learnt cricket while working on cattle stations in western Victoria.

On Monday, April 20, the 159-year-old photographic print soared to sell for £3,200 with Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre.

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 poster was produced to promote the team’s six-month tour of England in 1868, which began with a game at the Oval in May to a crowd of 20,000.

Team members included legendary 19th-century all-rounder Johnny Mullagh (traditional name Unaarrimin); Harry Bullocky (Bullchanach); Dick-a-Dick (Jungunjinanuke); Johnny Cuzens (Zellanach); and Twopenny (Murrumgunarriman).

Photographer Patrick Dawson of Hamilton, Victoria, took 16 individual portraits of the players and managers in his studio to create the composite picture, which was published in 1867 by H.G. De Gruchy & Co of Melbourne in anticipation of the tour.

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.

Auctioneers were knocked for six by the discovery of the poster, which was sitting innocuously in a box with a number of other pictures.

“In different circumstances, this rare piece of Australian cultural and sporting history could easily have been thrown away,” said managing director Richard Winterton.

“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 artifact – 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.

“Given the pioneering nature of the team and their success on the pitch, it’s rather poignant that they disbanded on returning home,” said auctioneer and valuer David Fergus.

“Nevertheless, the tour’s place in cricketing history was already assured.

“Its importance is especially emphasised by the cultural crossover of heritage and sport, with the Aboriginal team showcasing traditional skills alongside their cricketing prowess.”

He added: “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.”

To arrange a free valuation of all types of collectables and antiques or book a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.