527 AN HISTORIC FOOTBALL JERSEY FROM THE FIRST F.A. CUP FINAL TO BE HELD AT WEMBLEY STADIUM IN 1923, KNOWN AS THE “WHITE HORSE FINAL” The white Bolton Wanderers jersey worn by Alex Finney at the F.A. Cup final v West Ham United at Wembley stadium 28th April 1923,


maker unknown, long-sleeved, lace-up collar, embroidered silk work badge featuring the Coat of Arms of Bolton with the Latin motto SUPERA MORAS [OVERCOME DELAYS]


The 1923 FA Cup Final was the first match to be played at the newly built Wembley Stadium and was attended by King George V to present the trophy and medals.


What was expected to be a showpiece match for the Football Association’s magnificent new stadium was marred by chaotic scenes as vast crowds surged into the stadium, far exceeding its official capacity of approximately 125,000. A crowd estimated at up to 300,000 gained entrance and the terraces overflowed, with the result that spectators found their way into the area around the pitch and even onto the playing area itself. Mounted policemen, including one on a white horse on the Wembley turf called “Billy” became the defining image of the day, and has led to the match becoming known as the White Horse Final. Eventually crowds were cleared from the pitch although the perimeters were filled deep with spectators. The match finally kicked-off 45 minutes late.


Although West Ham started strongly, Bolton proved the dominant team for most of the match and won 2–0. David Jack scored a goal two minutes after the start of the match and Jack Smith added a second goal during the second half.


527


Alex Finney was born at St Helens in 1902. Having played in local Merseyside football, Finney was signed by Bolton Wanderers in 1922. The full-back played in 483 Football League fixtures for the “Trotters” until 1937 and won winner’s medals in both the 1923 and 1929 F.A. Cup finals. Finney’s 1929 Cup winner’s medal is being sold elsewhere in this catalogue as lot 622.


Exhibited (on loan):


The National Football Museum, Manchester


£20,000 - 30,000 138


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