WG Grace’s bat to be auctioned by Newcastle auctioneers Anderson & Garland

It was discovered by John Walton who was an ardent cricket fan visit to Canda in the antique shop.

Legendary England cricketer William Gilbert Grace’s bat is to set to be auctioned by Newcastle auctioneers Anderson & Garland on Tuesday, December 8. It was discovered by a former leading neurologist, John Walton who was an ardent cricket fan and lifelong supporter of Newcastle United. It was during Walton’s visit to Canada that he discovered the bat bearing the name of cricketing legend WG Grace in the antique shop. Walton bought the bat and for many years it was a prized possession which hung on the walls of his house until he died in April, aged 93. READ: When WG Grace played with Don Bradman’s uncle

Following his death, his daughter, Ann McNeil, has decided to sell the bat. She was quoted saying by mirror.co.uk as, “My father was a huge cricket fan and member of the (Marylebone Cricket Club) MCC. He discovered the bat in an antique shop for next to nothing whilst on a medical trip to Canada 30 years ago and could not resist it.”

“It took pride of place in my father’s home. He had it on display in the hall for everyone to see. We are sorry to have to sell it, but feel it is the time it gave another cricket fan the same enjoyment as it gave my father,” she said.

WG Grace is believed to have used the bat during a three-day game between Surrey and Gloucestershire in the 1870s wherein he later gifted the bat to his opposition captain from Surrey and former teammate George Stracken and it bears the inscription “G. Stracken from W.G. Grace, June 22/78, W.E. Lathan from G. Stracken, August 21/88”.

Stracken also played for the Canadian cricket team, which perhaps explains how the bat made it across the Atlantic all the way to Canada.

Valued at £200-£400, the bat is accompanied by a letter from the MCC stating that they “feel confident to say that it is entirely likely that the bat was indeed, as stated, a gift from W.G”.

Grace is 19th century’s most famous cricketer who enjoyed a remarkable 44-year career during which he captained England and Gloucestershire.