Stanley Matthews match-worn white England No.7 jersey v France in Paris 15th May 1955

Stanley Matthews white England No.7 international jersey worn in the match v France in Paris 15th May 1955,
short- sleeved, stain to right of collar (present when match worn); together with a French magazine providing illustrated coverage of this match; a reprinted double- photograph depicting Matthews during this match; a signed photograph of Sir Stanley Matthews; and a photo taken from a period magazine showing action in the first half of the match

This jersey was worn by Stanley Matthews in the Continental Tour match v. France played at the Stade Colombes, Paris,15th May 1955. France won the game 1-0.

This jersey was gained as a swap by Roger Marche, who had marked Matthews brilliantly in the match. Known as Le Sanglier des Ardennes (the Boar of Ardennes), March played for France a record 63 times and played in the World Cups of 1954 and 1958. His appearances record stood until 1983.

During the game there was a tremendous thunderstorm that forced both teams to change strips at half- time. The England team had to resort to wearing training jerseys that were not issued with a three-lions badge, as confirmed by the press photographs being offered with this lot, making it a most unusual match-worn England jersey. There is an additional picture in the lot showing the regular badges jerseys England wore in the first half.

The great Stanley Matthews was winning his 43rd cap in the 1955 France match. The following year Matthews became the first recipient of the Ballon d’Or Trophy.

Provenance:

Sotheby’s London 21st September 2001, lot 108.