1921 Ashes Cricket Ball is discovered in Essex

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Mr John William Henry Tyler 'Jonny' Douglas (1882-1930) 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. The Times described the match 'as one of the most brilliant exhibitions of skilful boxing allied to tremendous hitting ever seen'. If that wasn't enough he exhibited great prowess as a cricketer playing for Essex from 1901-1928, and amazingly Captaining the team from 1911-1928.

^{Lot 2590, Estimate £1,000 - £1,500}

Not surprisingly he also played for England Captaining the Team eighteen times. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the year 1915. 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.

^{John 'Jonny' Douglas}

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