November 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, November 20th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2014
Rare Jules Rimet World Cup trophy presented to British referee George Reader in 1950. Reader was one of the first British referees, along with a group of Englishmen, to participate in a FIFA World Cup. He was also the oldest match official to participate in any World Cup in history. Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1 in the country's second win as a huge upset to Brazil. Reader was instrumental to the match and is canonized in various newspaper stories of the time detailing his ''final whistle blows.'' From a ''Guardian'' article detailing Reader's affect upon the match, ''...the Uruguay players embraced one another and then hugged Mr. G. Reader, the British referee, who had controlled the match firmly...'' FIFA-issued trophy boasts the look and dimensions of designer Abel Lafleur's original double-sided 1930 model, complete with gilt painted figure of Nike, the winged Grecian victory goddess, holding a decagonal cup overhead. Figure is attached to an octagonal base of black and white marble. Front of the pedestal features a brass plaque engraved, ''World Championship / Jules Rimet Cup / Brazil 1950 / G. Reader'' and verso features a circular plaque depicting a second FIFA insignia. Award has a maroon felt backing to the underside of the base. Measures 11.5'' in total height and 3.75'' across at the widest point of Nike's wingspan. Weighs 5 pounds, 14.5 ounces. Trophy is housed in original leather box with maroon velvet lining. Lot additionally includes: (1) two game-used whistles. The first, a black, plastic Acme thunderer with a green tassel; the second, a brass Acme thunderer again with green tassel, housed in a small Stratton maroon compact case. (2) Commemorative football medal featuring a player kicking a ball to front and engraved to verso, ''G. Reader / 1919-20''. Reader played for Southern Exeter that season. Measures 1.25'' X 1.25'' with hook. Housed in scratched maroon cardboard box. And lastly, (3) blank Match Records notebook with ''G. Reader'' written to cover, likely in his hand. 5'' x 3''. Some tarnishing and scuffing to statue and affixed plaques. Overall, very good to near fine. With an LOA from Reader's daughter reading in full, ''Dear John, I am happy to confirm to you that the trophy you have purchased is the replica of the World Cup trophy presented to Uruguay for winning the final game against Brazil which was awarded to my father for his officiating at the 1950 World Cup Final and two of his whisles [sic], one of which he also used at the final...''
FIFA Jules Rimet World Cup Trophy Bestowed Upon a British Referee in 1950 -- Together With the Referee's Game-Used Memorabilia, Including Two Whistles Instrumental to the Final Match
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