A fantastic collection of Ken Baily memorabilia is due to go under our auctioneer’s hammer.
It will be sold at auction on September 10th and includes: his trademark costumes, autographs from his meetings with the Beatles and Bob Hope, personal effects, and an amazing file of photos and clippings – including photographic records and correspondence relating to his attempt to halt World War Two by running a relay on a liner as it crossed the Atlantic before presenting a petition to US President Franklin D Roosevelt.
Ken was “England’s Cheerleader” for three decades from the 1960s onwards, having originally been the mascot of Bournemouth FC in the 1950s.
Recognised by his trademark costume of Union Jack waistocat, scarlet tails, white gloves and black topper, he was described by Peter Seddon (author of Pickles the World Cup Dog and Other Unusual Football Obituaries) as ‘the only man to become both a freeman of Bournemouth and a Subbuteo figure’.
Ken traveled to 40 countries and traveled almost 200,000 miles in support of the England football team.
His distinctive costumes have an auction estimate of £400-£600 and the file documenting his adventures is expected to make £100-£150.
The catalogue for the Ken Baily collection is available online (Lot 1278 onwards) https://bit.ly/2Npf2QM and will be relayed live to bidders in the UK and worldwide from 12.30pm – anyone wishing to bid or watch the sale is welcome to register via www.the-saleroom.com.