A prize tankard associated with Sheffield Wednesday Cricket Club, silver-plated Britannia metal, 15cm., 6in., by James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, presen
£200 - £300
A prize tankard associated with Sheffield Wednesday Cricket Club, silver-plated Britannia metal, 15cm., 6in., by James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, presented to William Whittles by the Sheffield Wednesday Cricket Club (Formed in 1820, and played on Wednesdays) at the end of the season dinner for his batting prowess in the club's second eleven in 1863; offered together with copies of relevant contemporary newspaper cuttings (2) William Whittles, a cutler by profession, had connections with the 'Wednesday' club, Sheffield 'United' Mechanics Cricket Club and the Yorkshire County Cricket sides during the 1860s. All three clubs appear to have held their meetings in those days at the Adelphi Hotel, Arundel Street, Sheffield. The Wednesday Club became Sheffield Wednesday Cricket & Football Club in 1867, ''with the object of keeping together during the winter season the members of this cricket club.'' Whittles played for and was Secretary to the Sheffield United 'Mechanics' Cricket Club, became President of the Sheffield Football Players' Accident Society, and was a committee member of the Wednesday Cricket Club at Bramall Lane.