Collecting is far from being a new phenomenon, there are just more things to collect! It actually goes way back to the third millennium BCE, that’s BC to you and me! The Egyptian Ptolemaic Dynasty used to collect books from Alexandria. Fast forward to the 16th century and there was the ‘cabinet of curiosities’, much favoured by scholars of the day, which saw them acquire strange and unusual items from their voyages. Collecting accelerated as people became wealthier, unsure of what to spend their money on, which saw rich Victorians fill their houses with art and treasures from around the world. A couple of landmarks stand out. The first is Stanley Gibbons stamp catalogue from 1852, giving the values of popular stamps. The second, England winning the World Cup in 1966. Both of these events gave a massive incentive to collectors to get involved in their favourite passion. 1966 sparked a huge interest in football memorabilia collecting. It was the first time that the cup had an official mascot. World Cup Willie turned up on badges, programmes, and all manner of tie in merchandise that remains highly collectable today. There was even an official World Cup song, performed by British skiffle legend Lonnie Donegan! 

It wasn’t just mascot merchandise that became popular. Suddenly people became interested in all kinds of football related collectibles, from match worn football shirts and match played footballs, to all manner of signed football memorabilia. At the time, most of the memorabilia was related to the tournament, but it wouldn’t be long before the mania spilled over into the mainstream football clubs of the day, with the big three, Manchester United, West Ham and Nottingham Forest leading the charge. 

Ardent fans would queue up outside football grounds around the UK in the hope of catching a glimpse of the growing army of topflight football players. Grabbing a George Best autograph was one of the biggest prize, and the demand for signed memorabilia rocketed. Prices started soaring for the biggest stars of the day. Best, with his charisma and startling skill was top of the tree, especially as tales of his extravagant lifestyle filtered into the papers! 

L- R Signed Ronaldo Shirt, Signed George Best No.11 shirt, Signed Messi Shirt, Signed Haaland Shirt and a fully Signed Lionesses Shirt –  Firma Stella ©

Soon, people were scouring through their grandparent’s lofts for rare trophies, medals, and old football shirts, which would sell at auction for ever increasing sums. Some of these would turn up on Antiques Roadshow, previously the preserve of Arthus Negus and his Victorian furniture; modern collectibles starts appearing with high valuations. 

Fast forward more almost sixty years and the market has experienced another explosion with  growing number of online stores, like Firma Stella, selling officially signed memorabilia by every star you can imagine. It’s not just confined to football either. You can pick up pretty much any item, from any sport bearing a bold autograph of your favourite stars; from the world of tennis, rugby, golf and even snooker, darts and cycling. 

The highest prices are still reserved for the biggest stars, so for example, signed Manchester United shirts from Ronaldo top the tree, with Best’s number 11 shirts still matching him on price! 

The top clubs still dominate, and with City heading the premiership, it’s shirts signed by Haaland and Grealish which are rising in popularity. 

So what’s our advice if you are just embarking on memorabilia collecting? Well, it’s unlikely you are going to stumble over a forgotten FA trophy from yesteryear, so if you are new to collecting our number one piece of advice is collect what you love. If you’re a massive Tottenham fan then collect that. Don’t just collect something that you think might go up in value, because you just won’t enjoy it. Secondly, buy the best you can afford. It might not be feasible, with the best shirts going for upward of £2000, but that’s what to aim for. If you can’t get there, then start small. A signed photocard can be picked up for under £50, and as you progress, pick up more expensive items to add to your collection. 

Above all, enjoy what you do. Either buy framed, or get the item framed so it can be hung on the wall for all your friends to see. You’ll never tire of a great piece of football memorabilia from your favourite club, and with a fair wind it will keep increasing in value. The market for memorabilia will continue to grow and mature, so keep your eye out for up-and-coming players, women’s football stars and clubs making their way to the top. It’s the one way you might just be able to beat the market!