Diamond Lot Sparkles In Sporting Auction

A rare medal from Airdrieonians’ only Scottish Cup win in 1924 could fetch £4,000 when it goes under the hammer at a specialist sporting auction in Glasgow.

The nine-carat gold medal, which was awarded to the Diamonds winger, James Reid, will be one of ten lots of medals, shirts and international caps associated with the player to feature in the McTear’s auction on 27^th March.

James Reid (1890-1938) started his career at Airdrie as a centre forward, finishing as top scorer in the Scottish Football League Division One in the 1912/13 and 1913/14 seasons.  Reid later moved to the right wing, where he picked up his Scottish Cup winner’s medal.  The player also played three times for Scotland.

Airdrie’s historic cup win came at Ibrox in season 1923/24, when the Diamonds beat Hibs 2-0 in front of 59,000 fans.   

Other lots associated with the player include two Scotland jerseys from 1914 and 1924, which are estimated to fetch between £800 and £1,200, and a 1924 Scotland cap that could fetch £500.  In total the James Reid collection is estimated to sell for between £8,000 and £11,500.

Commenting on the auction, McTear’s managing director, Brian Clements, said: “James Reid is a true Airdrie legend, who played a key part in one of the Club’s most important victories.  The collection is an important piece of Scottish football heritage that paints a fascinating picture of one of the country’s great players from the first half of the 20^th Century.”

In addition to the James Reid lots, the auction will include a number of items associated with Glasgow’s Old Firm.  League Cup, League Championship and Scottish Cup winners’ medals from various periods in Rangers’ history will sit alongside a 1953 Coronation Cup silver trophy and a 1938 Empire Exhibition trophy, both won by Celtic.  The medals could fetch several thousand pounds, with the two trophies valued at £4,000 to £6,000 each.

The Beautiful Game – The Sporting Auction will take place at McTear’s on Thursday 27^th March. 

Do you have Sporting items you would like to sell? For a complimentary, no-obligation valuation, visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist on 0141 810 2880 or auction@mctears.co.uk.