A rare and possibly unique Middlesbrough circa.1886-1890 match worn jersey, with button up collar and front with embroidered badge inscribed "M.F.C"

A rare and possibly unique Middlesbrough circa.1886-1890 match worn jersey, with button up collar and front with embroidered badge inscribed "M.F.C" ERIMUS, the cuffs are polka dot similar to the collar, heavy, white wool, manufactured by E. Banks, shirt maker Middlesboro.    There is a little evidence of age related wear, the shirt shows areas of brown spotting all over, one L-shaped tear on right breast which has been repaired, no other holes or moth damage is apparent. Overall, for the age of the shirt it is in excellent condition.     We would imagine that this is the oldest Middlesboro shirt that survives and possibly the oldest example of a shirt from a League club still in one piece. We believe that it dates from between 1886 and 1890, when they changed to a blue shirt, before another change back to white up to 1899 which is when they finally turned professional permanently and adopted more or less the red that they are famed for today. Born originally in 1876, the Northeast Club had tried three other fetching colour combinations before this fine piece saw the light if day. I find it fascinating that this actually bears a badge beautifully embroidered on the breast pocket with the MFC logo, so I would also imagine that the shirt could have held some special significance to either Club or player. The trim is exceptional, a blue and white polka dot round the collar and buttons to complement the light blue needlework on the badge and made from flannelette like some Victorian dress shirt which, without the badge it could well be mistaken for.