Rare 1884 North of England Rugby v South of England Trial Match Jersey - white, round necked with buttons, satin placket facings frayed, a little grimy with age but entire and evocative, and with the fascinating 'calligraphic' 'N of E 1884' badge, also in creamy white. Believed to be the jersey of Charles Anderton, Manchester player who went on to win his cap against the NZ Natives XV (the 'Maoris') in 1889. Note - Very unusual to have the date on a jersey at that stage - and perhaps explains why the player was able to retain the jersey. These games effectively acted as the final English Trial in those early days