the waisted Fielding's Crown Devon ceramic tankard moulded and painted in colours with tavern scene, transfer printed with words to AULD LANG SYNE, hand painted inscription in gilt Stoke City v. Glasgow Rangers 19.10.37. To commemorate your visit to Stoke on Trent From an old Stoke player A.R. Fielding., moulded thistle handle, stamped Crown Devon, Fielding’s. Made in England PP No. 804873 to the base

Note: This rare and important tankard commemorates Rangers visit to Stoke-on-Trent to face Stoke City in aid of The Holditch Colliery Disaster Relief Fund.

On the 2^nd July 1937, a tragic accident occurred at the Colliery, during which 30 miners were killed and 8 injured. To raise funds for both victims and dependents, Stoke invited the champions of Scotland to play them in a benefit match. Rangers manager, Bill Struth, immediately accepted, with the game scheduled for October that year.

30,000 fans turned out for the fixture and, despite it being a goalless draw, it was noted as an entertaining one. The Gers XI featured Dawson, Gray, McDonald, McKillop, Simpson, Main, Venters, Smith, Kinnear, Fiddes, and Little.

It proved a resounding success for the relief fund, raising a total of £2,000. After the game, the Stoke chairmen gifted Rangers an important commemorative vessel known as a Loving Cup. This three-handled ceramic device continues to be used in a special ceremony prior to the first home match of each New Year to toast the reigning monarch.

Indeed, any visitor to the Ibrox Trophy Room will still see that Loving Cup on display, besides which is an identical tankard to the one offered for auction. Presumably, Rangers officials and/or players would have been presented with these tankards to mark the solemn occasion.

The ‘A.R. Fielding’ mentioned is believed to be Arthur Ross Fielding, who had two spells at Stoke City as a player between 1901-07.

Provenance from Christies Auctions.

Condition Report
Condition generally good. No chips, cracks or restoration. Crazing throughout as per manufacturing process. Minor wear to printed script of Auld Lang Syne. Additional images available.