A RARE 1921 test match cricket ball presented to a sporting hero more than a century ago is to go under the hammer in Colchester after being discovered in Essex.
The cricket ball was presented to England Captain John William Henry Tyler 'Jonny' Douglas, who later died in tragic circumstances in 1930.
The ball is mounted on a turned walnut plinth with octagonal base raised on bun feet.
The plinth has four silver plaques engraved 'To Mr JWHT Douglas, as a Souvenir of his visit to Australia as Captain of MCC Team.
As well as his cricketing career, Douglas was also known for boxing at the Olympic games in London, in 1908, when he represented Great Britain in the middleweight division.
A spokesperson for Reeman Dansie said: "Mr John William Henry Tyler 'Jonny' Douglas was a true English sporting hero and excellent all-round sportsman.
"He represented England at the 1908 Olympics where he competed as a middleweight boxer and subsequently won a gold medal having beaten the Australian boxer Reginald 'Snowy' Baker.
"This sporting legend sadly died in 1930 when the ship he was sailing in with his father sank after a collision.
"It is said he died trying to save his father who also lost his life. This lot represents a rare glimpse into the life of a forgotten British sporting hero."
For more information, visit Home page | Reeman Dansie
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here