Test match call-up letter, 1904

Another great contribution coming from Greg Lim, a Chinese living in Auckland, New Zealand...
Here are Greg's comments about this letter :

Please find attached my submission to your site – a Test match call-up letter from George Rowland-Hill to someone unknown in 1904 to join the England reserves. For me, I imagine a moment in time over a century ago, when a young man (maybe even a virgin) got the thrill of his life in achieving a dream. However the reality may well be that he was aging, over the hill, and distraught at not making the starting lineup. I’d love to know. So if anyone can assist in identifying who was the “Reserve Three-quarter” for England (v. Ireland, at Blackheath in 1904) I’d be grateful.

Of the billion or so Chinese on the planet, I believe I’m the only one collecting rugby stuff. Probably has something to do with me living in New Zealand. I have tried to stop collecting a number of times over the past 25 years, but to no avail

Let's also mention this fine coincidence... I pinged Gred last night because I spotted this great piece of memorabilia that he is currently selling on eBay... exactly the same jersey as Liddell's picture sent 10 days ago by a fellow collector... China, New Zealand, Scotland, Persia, USA and France in just two seconds.... Rugby collectors of the World, Unite !

edited 18/7 : John "Ovalballs" also has a call-up postcard to share (Wales, 1936) here...

Technorati Tags: rugby, print, rowland-hill

Comments

[John]

I like the Telegraph address given as SCUMMAGE, I also have a old invitation to play for Wales 1930's on my site in the 2004 weekly finds page. They gave so little detail you just turned up and played I think.

[Frederic]

Thanks John, here are two direct links to your Welsh call-up letter :
http://www.ovalballs.com/inviteF.jpg
http://www.ovalballs.com/inviteB.jpg

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