Sheffield has long been associated with the world professional snooker championships, and the event has been held at the Crucible for what seems like an eternity. The first tournament played there was in 1977 but what about previous tournaments?

The first tournament was actually held in 1927 at different venues. With the final played at Camkin’s Hall Birmingham when Joe Davis defeated Tom Dennis. Davies was a remarkable player he won every tournament up to the outbreak of World War II and the first after it in 1946.

Back to the venues. 1929 and 1931 saw the final played in Nottingham, 1930 at Thurston‘s Hall London, 1932 Kettering, then a run back at Thurston‘s hall up to 1940. Post war the Royal Horticultural Hall London, then back to Thurston’s before Leicester Square up to 1949.

The 1950s,  ‘60s and ‘70s saw more skipping of venues at Blackpool Tower Circus, Leicester Square Hall, Manchester, Bolton, and even “Down Under” in Australia in 1975!

The actual origin of the game is not completely known but it seems to be a popular theory that the game was derived by Neville Chamberlain in 1856 combining two other popular games - billiards and pyramid pool to make one new game which has evolved over the years to what it is today. So where did the term “Snooker” come from? Neville Chamberlain was a serving officer with the British armed forces in India. This is where billiards and then snooker were originally played in the officers mess and associated clubs. It is believed that if a player fouled up one of his shots his opponent commented that he player like a snooker and this term stuck a the game was called snooker!

Snooker arrived in Britain in the late 1880’s and was in fact introduced by an ex billiards champion John Roberts who had spent time with Neville Chamberlain in India. It did not take long for the game to take off in Britain and new equipment was made available from suppliers keen to get involved in this new game. 

A major contribution to the popularity of snooker came with modern technology when snooker was first televised in the late 1960’s on the programme “Pot Black” and the players started to become television stars in their own right. 

There is always a keen market for vintage snooker programmes. The older the better and especially those pre 1977 finals. Relatively small crowds were present so consequently not many programs were produced. Here at Sheffield Auction Gallery we hold quarterly sporting memorabilia sales. In our next sale to be held on 24th April we have an interesting collection of Issues from 1947-48, ‘50, ‘52 and ‘55 along with other tournaments which we are sure will be keenly sought after by collectors.

Crucible programmes do appear regularly and although not of substantial value they can increase if they are signed by competitors. Early cues in metal carry cases, score boards, tickets and other ephemera are always popular. 

Football programmes are another area of collecting that is very popular. Again try to collect pre 1950’s examples in good condition that have not been folded and put in a supporters pocket. Early player worn shirts and caps can be quite valuable together with medallions and trophy cups. If they come with photographs of the player this always adds interest and value to pieces. Sporting memorabilia is such a vast subject with a wide range of sports to choose from. F1 is another example with signed clothing and helmets particularly sought after. 

So, if you have any sporting memorabilia you are thinking of selling or want to start your own collection do come down and talk to our in-house specialist Valuer Robert Lea who is holding a valuation event at the Auction Gallery on 11^th March.