Sports Auction in Paris yesterday... and a shortcut to 1912 rugby in Bordeaux...

There was a sport auction yesterday in Paris, where some nice rugby memorabilia was presented (thank you, Pierre, for the catalogue).

I took a wise decision (for my personal finances, I mean...)... and decided NOT to attend the sale.

I only have limited regrets, as the finest rugby item of the auction, i.e. this pre-WW1 poster print by Van Hasselt on the cover page of the catalogue, is already at home...

It's a large poster print (120 x 160 cm) first printed in 1907, mostly used in the region of Bordeaux where Dutch artist W.Van Hasselt was established (Arcachon to be precised, if Jacques is reading me...).

This print was also used on this nice "one page" programme for the semi-finals of 1912 French championship, with the name of the players and a scorecard printed on the back  (Bordeaux vs Racing Club de France, on March 17, 1912).... too bad that the original owner cut it into two parts to save the picture only... (large pic here : front / back )

Many "big" names on the field that day... Lane, Burgun, Faillot for RCF... Bruneau, Boyau, Leuvielle for Bordeaux... And a surprising 8-4 victory for the visiting side ...

My Welsh friends will also appreciate the presence of "Billy Bordeaux" on the local side, as Willie Morgan was nicknamed in France... W.Morgan was an international Welsh player, brother of Teddy Morgan, the man who scored THE try against the All Blacks on THAT famous December 16, 1905..

Identificateurs Technorati : rugby, van hasselt, bordeaux, RCF, morgan