Rare salver given to Billy Wright could fetch £50k

A rare salver owned by footballer Billy Wright is set to be auctioned.

The silver tray was presented to the Wolverhampton Wanderers legend in 1959 for becoming the first footballer to make 100 international appearances.

More than 25 flags were decorated around the salver to show the countries Wright played against.

The tray has an estimated value of about £30-50,000 and will be auctioned at Graham Budd Auctions, Northamptonshire, on 5 December.

Football shirts and velvet caps worn by Wright will also go under the hammer, along with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal awarded to the footballer.

The honour, given to Wright in 1959, has the original ribbon, case and a framed presentation certificate.

Wright was born in Ironbridge, Shropshire, in 1924 and spent more than 20 years at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He captained England and Wolves, led the club to victory in the 1949 FA Cup final and to three First Division titles before he retired.

In 13 seasons after World War Two, he missed only three England games and was voted Footballer of the Year in 1952.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]