[Patsy Hendren, prolific and popular Middlesex and England cricketer.] Autograph Signature, on scorecard of Middlesex and Surrey match in which he scored his last century in first-class cricket. With cutting of newspaper report.
A very nice item relating to one of the greatest and best-loved of all cricketers: his signature to a scorecard of his final innings in first-class cricket, in which he scored a hundred, accompanied by a newspaper cutting describing the event. Official scorecard with serial number, printed on both sides of a 24 x 12.5 cm piece of card. Priced at twopence, and headed: 'This card does not necessarily include the fall of the last wicket | 2d. Lords [MCC device] Ground | Middlesex v. Surrey | Saturday & Monday, August 28, 30, 1937. (Three-day Match.)'. On reverse is a list of 'Matches for the Season at Lord's, 1937.', followed by details of 'Elementary Schoolboys' Matches at Lord's', topped and tailed by advertisements. The scorecard has been filled-in in manuscript, completing details of the Surrey first innings (all out for 509) and with Middlesex replying with a first innings of 377 for 6 at the end of the day. '4 Hendren, E.' is recorded in manuscript as being out 'c. Fishlock, b. Squires 103', and beside this he has written his signature: 'E Patsy Hendren/'. The next man in is '5 Compton, D.', who was 'c. Gregory b. Parker 28'. In manuscript at the head of the page: 'Patsy Hendren's last century in first-class cricket. | August 30, 1937.' The scorecard is accompanied by a 24 x 6 cm newspaper cutting of a report titled: '"Patsy" Goes Out with a Big Knock | Wonderful Farewell to Most Popular Man In Cricket | ("Universe" Sports Correspondent)'. An appreciative article with a caricature of Hendren, describing 'The unprecedented reception accorded "Patsy" Hendren at Lord's on Monday, on the occasion of his last appearance for Middlesex in a county championship match'. Hendren was 'Cheered all the way to the wicket and there cheered again by the Surrey players [...] When he made the stroke which brought him into three figures, the delight of the spectators knew no bounds. They cheered and clapped for several minutes and then sang together "For he's a jolly good fellow."' The latter part of the article describes Hendren's 'Great Career': 'He will go down in cricket history as the most popular player of all time. | Next season "Patsy" will start coaching at Harrow, so he will not be lost to the game.'