Dickie Bird memorabilia sells to buyers from all over the world

When Dickie Bird died last year, he left behind a unique collection of memorabilia that told the story of his life in cricket.

As his family cleared his house in Barnsley, they found items pointing to milestones in his career as a Test umpire. International caps, shirts, medals and blazers, some signed by the greats of the sport, had been lovingly retained.

Earlier, more than 160 lots went under the hammer at specialist sports auctioneers Budds of Wellingborough - with the collection raising about £53,000.

Even the weather vane that sat atop Bird's cottage - a replica of one at Lord's - was eagerly snapped up for £600.

Three caps won by international cricketers - Geoff Marsh of Australia, Martin Crowe of New Zealand and Joel Garner of the West Indies - went for a total of £16,500.

Bidders from all over the world showed interest in both the headline lots and more prosaic pieces such as a scrapbook (£150) and a collection of autographs (£65).

The two-hour sale also included team sheets, scorecards, family portraits and 200 match ties.

Signed cricket bats attracted bids from American and Australian fans. Bird's honorary doctorate awarded by Sheffield Hallam University in 2015 went for £160.

Bird, born in Barnsley in 1933, died at the age of 92, still living in the town he had called home all his life.

Ted Alabaster, specialist and valuer at auctioneers Budds, said the items, which span Bird's career, had attracted global interest because he was an "international icon".

The memorabilia covered periods from the 1970s until his international retirement in 1996. All 167 lots were sold, with the caps being the most popular.

Bird's niece, Rachel Wyatt, said it was a lengthy process to sift through her uncle's memorabilia, which had links to 53 countries.

"It took a long time, we're still trying to sort out a lot. It's not easy!" she said.

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