One of the Baggy Green caps worn by Sir Donald Bradman during the 1947-48 cricket season has been placed up for auction.
The ‘Australian Treasure’ is set to be sold on Australia Day, and was worn by the iconic Aussie batsman during Australia’s Test series against India.
It was the first time that India had toured Australia, with the hosts vastly outclassing the tourists to win 4-0.
Bradman captained the Aussies during the series and struck a whopping 715 runs, a series high-score, which included an incredible knock of 201 runs from 296 deliveries at the Adelaide Oval.
The former Aussie skipper, who is affectionately known by many cricket lovers as ‘The Don’ played 52 Test matches for Australia, amassing 6,996 runs with an astonishing average of 99.94.
The cap was personally gifted by Bradman to India Test cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni after the series and has stayed with his family ever since.
One of the Baggy Green caps worn by Sir Donald Bradman during the 1947-48 cricket season has been placed up for auction
The ‘Australian Treasure’ is set to be sold on Australia Day, and was worn by the iconic Aussie batsman (pictured) during Australia’s Test series against India
What is particularly poignant about the cap is that Bradman wore the Baggy Green during his last Test series on Australian soil.
In the 40s, Baggy Greens were typically given to players at the start of each Test series.
Another unique aspect of the hat is that it was made by Farmer’s of Sydney, who stopped making the caps in 1970, before apparel brand Albion took over.
It features the classic Australian Cricket Coat of Arms and has Bradman and Sohoni’s names inked on the label.
Lloyds are auctioning off the hat, with bidding opening at $1.
But as of writing, one offer of $315,000 has already been tabled for the cap.
Last year, a similar Baggy Green that Bradman had also worn during the 1948 series was sold at auction for a total fee of $479,700 – including a buyer’s premium. His first
‘Unveil a piece of cricketing history with this stunning 1947–48 Australian Baggy Cap, crafted by Farmer’s Sydney and adorned with the Cricket Coat of Arms,’ Lloyds writes.
It features the classic Australian Cricket Coat of Arms and has Bradman and Sohoni’s names inked on the label
As of writing, one offer of $315,000 has already been tabled for the cap, with the bidding starting at $1
‘Cherished in the family collection ever since, this cap links you to Don Bradman’s invincible era and a memorable exchange with the Indian squad.’
Australia would travel to England for the 1948 Ashes series, with Bradman averaging 56.44 before he would retire from international cricket.
‘This is a genuine piece of cricket history that Sir Donald Bradman personally gifted,’ Mr Hames said.
‘It’s uninterrupted family ownership for 75 years and its direct link to The Don make it one of the most important Bradman-related pieces to come to auction.
‘Closing on Australia Day gives it special national resonance for collectors honouring our sporting heritage.’
In 2020, Shane Warne auctioned off his Baggy Green cap in aid of Bushfire relief.
The cap was sold to an unnamed buyer from Sydney for a whopping $1,007,500, making it the most expensive Baggy Green ever auctioned off.
