Shirts, trophies, framed photographs and a silver Benfica letter opener given to George Best on the occasion of Manchester United’s European Cup defeat of Benfica in Lisbon in March 1966 are among items for sale in an auction of memorabilia owned by the father of the late football legend this week.
Some 110 lots will go under the hammer at Wilsons Auctions in Mallusk, north Belfast, on Thursday. The lots can be viewed by the public tomorrow and on Wednesday in advance of the auction.
Dickie Best, who died last year, collected the items over a period of 40 years. They include framed photographs, programmes, personalised crystal and silverware and a framed edition of the Ulster Bank five pound note featuring Best in both his Northern Ireland and Manchester United strips.
Many of the items adorned the walls of George Best’s childhood home at Burren Way in Cregagh, east Belfast which was sold last year.
Richard Bell of Wilsons Auctions said he expected a large attendance at the auction. He said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a unique piece of sporting history.
“There’s something for everyone at this auction. George had an incredibly strong relationship with his father and always remained proud of his Northern Irish roots. As a result the executors of the Dickie Best estate felt it was important this auction is held in Northern Ireland and be open to the public,” he said.
The collection will be auctioned at 7.30pm on Thursday. Admission is £10. The collection can be viewed in advance tomorrow and Wednesday between 10am and 9.30pm.