29/11/2023
A copy of the first ever Panini World Cup sticker album from Mexico 1970 went under the hammer for £2,000 (£2,400 inclusive of charges) on December 5th, beating its pre-sale estimate of £1,200 - £1,800.
The album was consigned by Andrew Knott of Arthingworth, Northamptonshire who had received the already-complete album in 1970 as a 12th birthday present from his aunt who worked at the Leicester-based UK distributors, Thorpe and Porter.
“As an example of the debut World Cup album that started the enduring worldwide craze of Panini football sticker collecting, it was no surprise to see the huge levels of interest this special piece of memorabilia attracted at the auction,” comments director Will Gilding. “In the end, a UK-based collector managed to outbid interest from Belgium, Italy, Portugal and other parts of the UK to secure it.”
Mr Knott’s Panini album was sold almost complete with only two of the self-adhesive stickers, featuring the Jules Rimet Trophy and the Moroccan Football Federation badge, lost over the 53 years it was kept in storage. The album, which features a combination of self-adhesive stickers and cards that needed to be glued in, was sold with only minor wear and tear to the front cover and with all the cards and stickers positioned precisely, thanks to it being presented already complete.
“As it was such a thoughtful and unusual present from my aunt all those years ago, I’ve kept it ever since,” comments Andrew Knott. “But after over half a century in my possession, it was time to part with it and it was great to be in the room to see it go to a new home where it will be appreciated for years to come.”
The 1970 World Cup saw England arrive in Mexico as world champions. However, the magic of 1966 was not to be repeated, with England losing to Germany 3-2 in the quarter finals and not returning to the competition until 1982.
The album features legends of English football, including Bobby Moore, Gordon Banks, Bobby and Jack Charlton and international stars such as Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer, Portugal’s Eusébio and Pelé from 1970’s winning team, Brazil.
“This brilliant result shows the high value collectors attach to Panini memorabilia in particular, and football and other sporting memorabilia in general,” adds Will Gilding. “So, with a bumper year of sport ahead with Euro 2024 in Germany and the Paris Olympics on the horizon, now is a very good time to sell!”
Those with sporting or other memorabilia that they are interested in selling can arrange a free valuation by calling 01858 410 414 or via Valuations.
Full details of the Mexico 1970 album can be found HERE
