Extremely Rare 1905 New Zealand All Blacks 'Originals' Tour to the UK: their world-renowned Jersey: In the best condition in which we have seen one of these iconic garments, carefully and lovingly preserved for almost 115 years, the jersey, manufactured back in New Zealand, retains all of its original features including the silver fern badge, the distinctive padded yoke, the many eyelets and original lace to tie up to the neck if wished. It is, and clearly always has been, unnumbered, as was the case for many matches on this early tour and in early rugby generally. It has retained its colour, shape and quality of wool and is an outstanding example of this hugely desirable and collectable symbol of New Zealand rugby, the 'different' black jersey of the most successful sports team not just of the year 1905, but arguably of all time. Such examples as have come to market in the last five years have demonstrated the growth in interest and value of these very rare items. A magnificent piece of memorabilia of global interest. VG. NB: This lot was consigned with impeccable provenance from the descendants of the famous Ireland international rugby player Basil Maclear, with whom an All Black exchanged jerseys after one of the, amazingly, four games in which Maclear turned out against the almost-invincible NZ tourists: Blackheath, Bedford, Ireland and Munster, whom he captained. He was killed during World War One and was one of 25 individuals inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame during ceremonies held at Wembley Stadium during the 2015 Rugby World Cup