Express & Star

England brooch owned by Baggies and FA chairman Bert Millichip up for sale

An England-crest brooch which was once owned by a former West Bromwich Albion chairman is set to go under the hammer.

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The England brooch was owned by former Baggies chairman Sir Frederick Albert Millichip

The 18 carat gold diamond piece belonged to Sir Frederick Albert "Bert" Millichip and could fetch up to £800.

Mr Millichip joined the Baggies in 1974 and helped the club re-establish itself in the First Division, when the club was languishing in the Second Division, and later served as the FA chairman.

The England brooch was owned by former Baggies chairman Sir Frederick Albert Millichip

The item has a hallmark of 1996 – the same year he retired from the FA. It was later worn regularly by Lady Barbara Millichip, after Bert's death in 2002, until her death in 2015.

It is shaped like a shield and features the famous three lion markings, symbolic of the England national football team.

Sally Simmonds, daughter of Sir Bert and Lady Millichip, brought the item to Fellows to auction off on January 30.

The England brooch was owned by former Baggies chairman Sir Frederick Albert Millichip

Alex Duffy, jewellery specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “The three lions are an iconic symbol of English football and this beautifully crafted 18 carat gold and diamond brooch makes for a great way to show national support and pride.

"It is an intriguing piece and its ties to the FA and the Millichip family make this a perfect item for any sporting memorabilia enthusiast or collector of rare and unusual jewellery.”

It can be viewed at the auctioneers' Birmingham-based office on Augusta Street on January 25 between 11am to 4pm, January 28 and the following day between 10am to 4pm, and on January 30 from 8.30am to 11am.

The sale will form part of Fellows' fine jewellery auction and is lot 275.