The north London club was founded in 1883 as Balmoral F.C. before becoming Crouch End F.C. and then merging with The Vampires in 1897. In the early 1900s, when amateur football was in its heyday, Crouch End Vampires were one of the strongest clubs, with two of their players selected to play for England in an international match against Wales.
Memories of former greatness were recalled by the first lot offered in Bath - an 18in (46cm) Mappin & Webb electroplated sandwich tray, presented to the club by their members, c.1905, that went four times above its estimate to £200.
Also performing well at the sale was the Victorian silver-gilt and agate Samuel Mordan & Co. scent flask and vinaigrette pictured right, that made £1100 (estimate £250-300). It came with an original fitted case for the retailers Thornhills of New Bond Street.
Vampires take first bite in Bath
FOLLOWING relegation, the on-running saga of Leeds United’s finances no doubt will mean that the club will end up selling more of their players over the summer. However, spare a thought for Crouch End Vampires F.C., one of the longest established amateur football clubs, that literally ended up selling the family silver at Bonhams Bath (17.5% buyer premium) back on March 15.