Secret millionaire spends a fortune on Don Bradman's iconic cap – find out why it’s worth $479,700!

Cricket fans and collectors alike are always on the lookout for unique pieces of sporting history.

Recently, one such piece captured the attention of enthusiasts and bidders from around the world.

Here’s the story behind the latest high-profile auction of a cricket icon's cherished item.


Sir Donald Bradman’s iconic baggy green cap has sold for an impressive $390,000 at a Sydney auction, with the final price reaching a total of $479,700 after auction fees.

This rare piece of cricket history was worn by Bradman during the 1947-48 series when India first toured Australia, marking a milestone in the sport's international history.

Displayed at Bonhams Auction House in Sydney, the cap attracted substantial interest from both Australian and international bidders. A mystery buyer ultimately clinched the win after a fierce bidding battle.


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Sir Donald Bradman’s cap breaks records. Image source: Saeed Khan/AFP


Initially expected to sell for at least $300,000, the cap’s final price reflects its historic value and unique appeal.

The cap, which shows minimal signs of wear, was a gift from Bradman to the manager of the Indian team at the time, who subsequently passed it on to the team's wicketkeeper.

This series was significant not only for the cricketing world but also for Indian fans, as it came mere months after India gained independence.


Bonhams described the cap as 'the only known Baggy Green' worn by Bradman during the 1947-48 series.

In that series, he amassed a staggering 715 runs across six innings, achieving an average of 178.75 and including three centuries and a double century. This series was also Bradman's last before he embarked on his farewell tour in England.

While the winning bidder's identity remains undisclosed, the sale is noteworthy in the context of cricket memorabilia.


This cap is not the first Bradman relic to fetch a high price; a cap worn during his 1928 Test debut sold for over $445,000 in 2020.

It is believed that there are currently only ten of his caps in circulation.

Notably, the record for the most expensive cricket cap sold at auction is still held by the late Shane Warne’s baggy green, which sold for $1 million in 2020.

The proceeds from that sale went to aid victims of the Black Summer bushfires.

Key Takeaways
  • Sir Donald Bradman's baggy green cap worn during the 1947-48 series has been auctioned in Sydney for $390,000, with auction costs the total reached $479,700.
  • There was substantial interest from buyers both in Australia and internationally, and the cap was finally purchased by a mystery buyer after a bidding war.
  • The cap holds historical significance particularly to Indian cricket fans, as it was gifted to India's team manager and then to the team's wicketkeeper during the series that took place just after India's independence.
  • This cap is not the only one of Bradman's caps to have been auctioned, with his 1928 Test debut cap selling for over $445,000 in 2020, and it is believed that there are around ten of Bradman's caps in circulation.

This auction highlights the enduring legacy of cricket legends and the passion their memorabilia sparks. Is there a piece of memorabilia you would love to buy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 
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