COLUMN: WWII Rams season ticket up for auction

Closer inspection showed that this was a very rare survivor - a set of season tickets for Derby County Football Club, dated 1939-1940. The ‘subscribers’ tickets, allowing entry to all games including the FA Cup, cost £2 2 s, a price many a football fan these days would be more than willing to pay, although this figure would still have represented more than half a week’s wages for a working man.

I was initially puzzled by the fact that only one ticket had been torn from the book but then quickly realised that this season’s matches had to be abandoned due to the outbreak of World War Two - our young men, unfortunately, had other duties to perform. Whether the original owner was one of the many called away to war, and what his fate may have been, we will probably never know.

Being an enthusiastic Derby County fan this is just the sort of item which appeals to me. Particularly fascinating is the list of fixtures at the back of the book. Derby was due to play another historic Derbyshire club, Chesterfield, on 24th August but along with the others the match never took place. The season ticket is expected to make up to £60 when it is entered into our World Cup Football Auction on Tuesday 23rd August.

We are currently seeking similar entries. Call 01283 733988 or email [email protected].