Apparatus formerly used to conduct the draw for the F.A Cup ''proper'' rounds live on BBC television, the supporting column fitted with halogen lamps

Apparatus formerly used to conduct the draw for the F.A Cup ''proper'' rounds live on BBC television, the supporting column fitted with halogen lamps for illumination, sold with its original custom built storage/transportation case on wheels; sold together with three clear perspex panels that were used as background on the TV set, two bearing the Football Association crest, the other with a portrayal of the F.A. Cup trophy, overall dimensions of the apparatus 80 by 92cm., 31 1/2 by 36in. Traditionally, the draw for the F.A. Cup was conducted by means of balls simply drawn from a purple velvet bag by F.A. Councillors, usually at Lancaster Gate. In more recent times it has become a live television event so apparatus such as the one being offered here were devised for visualisation purposes on the TV set and to heighten the sense of drama for viewers during the draw process. In the design of this particular piece the balls literally 'go into the hat' as the velvet bag below the releasing dish is effectively an inverted blue velvet England international cap. This particular draw machine was made in the workshops of BBC Television but was retired when new FIFA regulations demanded that for all football cup competitions the balls must be seen to be placed into and drawn from a transparent perspex container. So nowadays at the F.A. Cup draw, and in keeping with tradition, the balls are released into a clear container but from a velvet bag bearing the Football Association crest.