A pair of cast and wrought iron gates circa 1908 formerly being the 'Gate A' entranceway to the South Stand at Twickenham rugby ground, the uprights s

A pair of cast and wrought iron gates circa 1908 formerly being the 'Gate A' entranceway to the South Stand at Twickenham rugby ground, the uprights stamped T W PALMER & CO., MERTON, painted green, fitted with two original signs, the first RFU ground rules, the other reading ENTRY TO THE GROUND WILL BE DENIED TO PERSONS CARRYING CANS AND BOTTLES, height 259cm., 102in., overall width 477cm., 188in., width of gate opening 432cm., 170in. These gates probably date to exactly 100 years ago, 1908, being the year the South Stand at Twickenham Rugby Ground was built. The gates were removed from situ in 2005 when the South Stand was redeveloped. For the avoidance of doubt, what is being offered here are the central gates from the old South Stand Gate A entrance at Twickenham. The lot does not include the original railings and pedestrian gates that completed the entire entranceway as seen in the situ photograph reproduced in the auction catalogue. In 1907 RFU committee member William Williams purchased a 10 1/4 acre market garden in Twickenham for ?5,572 12s and 6d. The first stands were constructed the following year. After further expenditure on local roads, Twickenham opened its doors for its first rugby match on 2nd October 1909 when Harlequins played Richmond. The first international hosted at Twickenham was the England v Wales encounter on 15th January 1910. The stadium originally had a maximum capacity of 20,000. The RFU's first redevelopment was in 1921 when a stand was built above the northern terrace. In 1927 the East Stand was extended, and there followed a similar extension to the South Stand. In 1932 a brand new facility, the West Stand, was completed and which also provided the RFU with administrative offices making Twickenham literally the home of rugby since 1937. In 1965 the South Stand was closed due to structural failings. When a new replacement stand was proposed this led to a very extended period of planning difficulties. Finally overcome, the stadium has been magnificently redeveloped since the 1980s. Its present day capacity is 82,000 making it the second biggest stadium in the United Kingdom after Wembley. Prospective bidders should note that due to logistical concerns the gates will not be available for viewing at Sotheby's Olympia during the exhibition and auction. However, the gates can be viewed in their current location by prior appointment. Please contact the auctioneer for full details. The auctioneer is also able to recommend specialist transportation companies for delivery to the successful buyer. Quotes for this work can be obtained before the auction. The present gates offer a wonderful opportunity to acquire a piece of infrastructure associated with the most historic and famous rugby ground in the world.