The bat also has a contemporary sterling silver plaque engraved “This bat was used by Don Bradman 15-3-48 in his last innings in first class cricket in Australia when he scored 115 for an Australian X1 v West Australia” and a later similarly engraved metal plague mounted to the blade, and is mounted in a wooden case with a handle to the top enabling the bat to be rotated.
According to the West Australian newspaper, Bradman’s innings in this match was “batted with almost faultless precision”. He struck 115 from 154 balls in 141 minutes, including 16 fours in a second wicket stand of 241 with Morris. The three day match ended in a draw.
This bat was used by Don Bradman in his last ever innings on Australian soil as Australian captain. This was not the last first class innings that Bradman played in Australia, as the plaque on the bat suggest. Following his retirement at the end of the 1948 Invincibles tour, Bradman played in two first class testimonial matches in 1948 and 1949.
The bat was exhibited at the WACA Museum 1984-2004
Pottle Auctions have placed an estimate on the bat of $20,000 - $30,000. Other bats with a Don Bradman provenance have sold within this price range, with the highest recent price in February 2009 of $34,500 also for a Sykes bat from the 1930s tour of England.
Other memorabilia includes Don Bradman framed photographs, pictures, other signed cricket bats and a large quantity of sports ephemera.
The bat is included as part of the sale of the contents of 9 Cooper Street, Strathfield on Sunday 12th December at 12 noon, by Pottle Auctions. Viewing is available on the day prior.