The February 22 sale run by sports sale specialist Graham Budd is in support of the Liverpool Former Players Association and will include more than 380 items from the old Main Stand going under the hammer.
A donation from the auction proceeds will be made to the Liverpool Former Players Association via the LFC Foundation, to support a local charity of their choice that helps young people across Merseyside.
The driving force behind this unique occasion was the re-building of the 1970s-era Main Stand. Ths structure was pulled down but retains the original 1906 Archibald Leitch section intact, beneath the new structure that opened in September 2016.
Stephen Done, Liverpool FC curator, said: “This auction is just one of the special events to mark our 125th anniversary. The former players are a huge part of Liverpool FC’s rich and colourful history. Without their tremendous talent and contribution to the club, we wouldn’t have such prestigious memorabilia and fantastic memories.
“The items on offer in the auction are both unique and diverse – from directional signage that hung on the walls of the Main Stand to the actual dugout seats the Reds’ manager and team used pitch-side.”
Below is our selection of five top lots from the auction (with the help of Liverpool FC curator Stephen Done):
Maquette of Shankly statue which stands at the entrance to Anfield. It is included in the February 22 sale at the stadium, estimated at £20,000-30,000.
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A Tom Murphy maquette of his celebrated sculpture of Bill Shankly that stands at the entrance to Anfield, one of three presented to LFC as part of the commission of the full-size statue sponsored by Carlsberg in 1998. Two are preserved by LFC and will never be available. Done says: “This third example represents a unique opportunity to acquire an original work of art depicting arguably the most significant personalities in Liverpool FC history as created by a significant Liverpool artist of considerable repute. It is cast in beautifully patinated bronze, mounted on a pale marble base.” The 2ft 8in x 10in (81 x 25cm) maquette is estimated at £20,000-30,000.
Liverpool FC crest which is included in the February 22 Graham Budd sale at the Anfield stadium, estimated at £3000-5000.
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Cast-iron 1970s Liverpool FC crest removed from the perimeter fence/gate to the Main Stand at Anfield in June 2016. This 2ft x 18.5in (61 x 47cm) crest will be the only example ever offered for sale - the other similar crests are all preserved in the LFC Museum collection for future relocation in the new main stand and elsewhere. Estimate £3000-5000.
A sign formerly in the Main Stand at Anfield is included in the February 22 sale at the stadium, estimated at £1500-2500.
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Liverpool FC signage from the old Main Stand, HOME TEAM DRESSING ROOM, aluminium sheet with protective film, white text on red. Estimate: £1500-2500.
A row of seats formerly in the Main Stand at Anfield is included in the February 22 sale at the stadium, estimated at £800-1200.
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A row of five linked seats from the dug-out area in the old Main Stand, with red upholstery, New Balance branding, black. Estimate £800-1200.
Liverpool FC photo of 1986 FA Cup winning team, included in the February 22 Graham Budd sale at the Anfield stadium, estimated at £100-150.
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A framed and mounted colour photograph, 23in x 2ft 3in (59 x 68cm), of the 1986 FA Cup-winning team removed from the corridor beside the Director’s Lounge in the Main Stand, In use c.1990-2015. Estimate £100-150.
And if you are after trophy glory...
The Ciudad de Marbella Trophy awarded to Liverpool FC for coming second in the pre-season mini-tournament played in Marbella in August 1982. Estimate £150-200 at the Graham Budd February 22 auction being held at Anfield stadium.
Much as Liverpool FC can boast a proud record of achievement, it is fair to say they have not won that much recently to thrill the fans. So what better purchase in this auction for an obsessed Reds fan than The Ciudad de Marbella Trophy?
Made in Cordoba, this silver-plated trophy was awarded to Liverpool FC for coming second in the pre-season mini-tournament played in Marbella in August 1982. Other competing teams were CD Malaga, Real Betis, Albacete Balompie and Bayer 04.
Estimate £150-200.
