Virginia Wade's pants going undie hammer at Ludlow
They are almost 40 years old and have made their way across the other side of the world and back again, which is not bad going for a humble pair of knickers.
But the antique undies are no ordinary garment as they were seen across the world when British tennis legend Virginia Wade raised the champion's trophy at Wimbledon in 1977.
Now the frilly knickers are to go under the hammer as part of a sports memorabilia auction at Church Stretton auctioneers Mullocks.
Auctioneer John Mullock, who will oversee the auction at Ludlow Racecourse from 10am on Thursday, said they are expected to fetch £300 – and are being sold in Britain once more having spent years in abroad.
He said: "They were donated by Ms Wade to a charity auction years ago, and come with a photo of the tennis player and the couple who successfully bid for them. They were then bought by a tennis aficionado in New Zealand, who is selling part of his collection.
"As a guarantee of their provenance, they are signed by the tennis star, the last British female to win the Wimbledon women's singles."
He said the pants had "speckle spots and the elastic waist is frayed" and according to the label, they are "Irene Original – La Jolla – Style 201, Size 8" knickers. Wade, now 70, retired in 1986.
