Many of you are aware that we have access to 'the oldest complete set of club kit' known to the World Rugby Museum. Phil McGowan, curator of the museum ( and an man with Sunderland links), is helping us discover bit by bit if the individual parts have any rivals. This went on the World Rugby Museum site last week -
and Phil has already come back to me with -
'We’ve had the following caps highlighted online:
Swansea- 1880
Bradford- 1881
Salford- 1887
So looks like the Hudson cap remains the oldest if it was produced in 1875.
I’ve also forwarded to the Rugby Memorabilia Society. Will see if they can turn anything else up. We’ve posted a follow up on Facebook and Twitter, to see if anyone can beat Alfred’s cap. I’ve never been in touch with Christy’s but, judging by their website, they are very proud of their heritage. It might be worth making contact to see if they have an archivist or sales ledgers from the 1870s. Enjoy the rest of the season!'
My response is -
As far as Alfred goes he is mentioned in an early club history as being a founder member alongside his brother (1873) and played over 40 times for the XV between 1875 and 1882 and starred in the 1881 victory in the first Durham County Cup final. There are 3 caps - one unknown ( the one with the 'Maltese Cross' on - worth a request on the site sometime as to recognition?) - SFC XV Christy's cap and the cap in club colours. Provenance would suggest that the caps pre-date the Salford one and if the Christy one was created say for the County Cup final is at least as old as the Bradford one . Fascinatingly the two club caps may well have been in the same room at some point as Sunderland played a draw with Bradford at Bradford in 1881. The Swansea one may or may not be older - even if it is then at very bottom line Bradford and Sunderland share the English 'crown'. Current thinking - a high likelihood that the two Sunderland caps may be the oldest to surface so far. Christy's, the hat people, are still going and are looking into my enquiry about records.
Club Cap
Club Cap made by Christy's
And, gentlemen, as you celebrate the Italy tour in your club blazers - look at what Alfred wore 1at least 140 years ago
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