Lot Essay
The 'Little Tin Idol' was the original F.A.Cup and was the first-ever football trophy to be competed for. It was made by Martin Hall and Company in 1872 at a cost of (20 and stood 18ins tall. It was competed for twenty-four seasons (1872-95) and when Aston Villa won the trophy in 1895 it went on display at the Birmingham Boot & Shoe Manufacturer W.Shillcock. On 11th September 1895 it was stolen from his premises at 73 Newton Row and was never seen again. A replica was made and was in use until 1911 when Lord A.F.Kinnaird was presented with the trophy in appreciation of his services to The Football Association. The above replica is one of eleven that was produced and presented to each of the participating Wolverhampton Wanderers players to commemorate their cup win against Newcastle United. The match took place at the Crystal Palace before a crowd of 74,000, Wolves defeating Newcastle United 3-1.