Bradman's Baggy Greens

With Don Bradman's 1947-1948 Indian Tour Baggy Green selling last month for a reported $535,900 at Lloyds Auctions, I thought I'd review how the values of The Don's Baggy Green Caps have changed over the years.

Before doing that, some context.  First, the value of Baggy Greens has increased considerably since Steve Waugh made both his very worn Baggy a living treasure, the Aussies began wearing Baggy Greens far more than they used to (and it became compulsory during the first session of every Test), and the Baggy Green progressively became the very symbol of the nation's favourite sporting team.

Second, older Baggies are, in my view, far more desirable since most batsmen batted in them (rather than helmets) and fielded in them.  Some players, like Clarrie Grimmett, even bowled in them.  Many of us will remember that players like Tangles and Thommo fielded in terry toweling white hats while Greg Chappell popularised "the Chappell hat", particularly as the skin cancer alert was heeded (Allan Border even grew a beard for skin cancer protection!).

So, to the Bradman Baggy Greens.  Unique memorabilia indeed.  I am indebted to Michael Fahey of Sports Memorabilia Australia and author of the excellent book "The Baggy Green" for the following information.

In order, Bradman's Baggies, other than this year's Lloyds sale, have gone for:

$479,700 (1947-1948) - sold in 2024

$474,750 (1928-1929) - sold in 2020

$468,913 (1948) - sold in 2008

$425,000 (1948) - sold in 2003

$180,000 (1947-1948) - sold in 2003

$148,800 (1934) - sold in 2017

$95,400 (1946-1947) - sold in 2003

$95,385 (1930) - sold in 2004

$88,835 (1946-1947) - sold in 2003

$7,500 (1946-1947) - sold in 1995

The fact that the cap sold in 1995 sold for such a discount to those sold since 2003 confirms the information provided above about the desirability of the Baggy Green as well, no doubt, of the legend of Sir Donald Bradman (virtually always pictured batting in his Baggy Green) and teams such as the legendary 1948 "Invincibles".

As a passionate cricket fan, I love the story of the Baggy Green.  I've been lucky enough to sell the Baggies of players including Ray Lindwall, Dean Jones, Stuart MacGill, Jeff Thomson, Terry Jenner, Barry Jarman and others.  I currently have two 1956 Baggy Greens listed on the Unique Memorabilia website, as well as a treasure trove of other match worn and signed cricket memorabilia.  

Baggy Green Test-Worn And Ashes Tour Worn Cap - Jack Wilson, 1956 – Unique Memorabilia

Baggy Green Cap, 1956 Ashes Worn – Unique Memorabilia

Nothing can beat a Bradman Baggy though!