Tag Archives: england

An 18ct gold diamond England crest brooch which belonged to a former West Bromwich Albion and Football Association chairman has sold for £1,202.40 (including fees) at Fellows Auctioneers, in Birmingham. The brooch was formerly owned by Sir Frederick Albert ‘Bert’ Millichip and Lady Barbara Millichip, and was subject to a fierce bidding war during Fellows’ Fine Jewellery sale. The stunning brooch, with 1996 hallmarks – the year Sir Bert retired from the Football Association – sold as Lot 275 at approximately 2:15pm on Thursday 30th January 2020. Against an estimate of £600 – £800, the brooch sold for a hammer price of £900 (£1,202.40 including fees). The brooch was brought to Fellows Auctioneers by Sally Simmonds, daughter of Sir Bert and Lady Millichip, and was placed into Fellows’ first flagship jewellery auction of the year. Lady Millichip regularly wore the brooch, until she sadly passed away in 2015. The brooch, shaped like a shield, has an estimated total diamond weight of 1ct, is of G-H colour, and has VS-SI clarity. With a length of 3.7cms and a weight of 14.8gms, the brooch has the famous three lion markings which are symbolic of the England national football team. Multiple bids were placed on the brooch, with an internet bidder eventually winning the item formerly owned by Sir Bert, much to the delight of Fellows. An 18ct gold diamond Football Association shield brooch. Once in the collection of Lady Barbara Millichip and Sir Frederick Albert Millichip. Sir Bert had a long career spanning many decades working in football. He became chairman of West Bromwich Albion in 1974, before eventually going on to work for the FA. Initially, he was councillor before becoming chairman of the FA, a post he held from 1981–1996. Sir Bert was chairman of the FA throughout some of the most drastic changes in English football history, such as the introduction of the Premier League. He was also heavily involved in the appointment of England managers, including Terry Venables. Sir Bert received a knighthood for his services to the game in 1991. He passed away in 2002. Alex Duffy, Jewellery Specialist from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “After an online stand-off between bidders, it was fantastic to see the brooch sell so well. It’s always a pleasure to be able to offer unusual and unique items such as this for auction, watching as the enthusiasts and collectors fight it out. With its interesting provenance and sporting connections it’s unlikely we’ll see something quite like this come up again anytime soon.”