A legendary white long-sleeve shirt used by Roger Hunt during the 1966 World Cup has been sold. The number 21 jerey, worn during the group stage victory against France, fetched a total of £14,300 at a Wiltshire auction.
The £30,000 gap between Hunt and Sir Bobby Charlton
The sale of Roger Hunt's number 21 jersey highlights the tiered nature of the football memorabilia market. While the £11,000 hammer price is a significant sum, it sits well below the £45,000 fetched by Sir Bobby Charlton's 1966 England shirt in 2023. According to the report, the Charlton kit was worn during the high-stakes semi-final against Portugal, whereas Hunt's jersey was used during the earlier group stages.
This price disparity suggests that the prestige of the specific match can drastically swing auction results. collectors appear to place a premium on items worn during the tournament's final stages, even when the player's overall contribution was equally vital. These tangible relics from 1966 continue to command high prices, reflecting an enduring emotional value that spans nearly six decades of football history .
A dual-goal performance against France on July 20, 1966
This specific white long-sleeve shirt is a relic of a decisive moment in England's only World Cup victory. During the group stage match against France, Roger Hunt utilized this kit to score both goals in a 2-0 win. as reported by the source, the auction was conducted by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, providing a rare opportunity to own a piece of the campaign that eventually led to a 4-2 triumph over West Germany at Wembley.
The jersey serves as a physical connection to the exact moment Hunt helped propel England toward their historic championship. For fans, the shirt represents more than just sport; it is a piece of national heritage from a summer that remains etched in the collective memory of football supporters worldwide.
From Liverpool's 285-goal legend to Devizes Town
Roger Hunt’s connection to the auction site in Wiltshire is deeply personal and rooted in his early years. Before becoming a global football icon, Hunt spent his National Service in the Devizes area, where he even played for the local club, Devizes Town. This local history adds a layer of regional significance to the sale held in the Wiltshire town.
Hunt's professional legacy is most famously defined by his tenure at Liverpool, where he established himself as a titan of the game.. He maintained a legendary scoring record of 285 goals at the club until Ian Rush surpassed him in 1992. Throughout the 1966 tournament, Hunt was a constant presence, playing in every single match for the England squad and finishing the campaign with three total goals.
Who secured the winning bid for the Hunt jersey?
While the final price of £14,300, including auction fees, is now public knowledge, the identity of the buyer remains a mystery. The report does not disclose whether the jersey has been acquired by a private collector, a football museum, or a dedicated sporting institution. This lack of information leaves fans wondering where this piece of history will be displayed.
Furthermore, it remains unverified if other artifacts from the 1966 England squad are expected to surface in future auctions.. Given the success of this sale, the market for 1966 memorabilia remains a high-interest area for collectors looking to secure pieces of England's most celebrated sporting achievement.
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