A selection of Busby Babes autographs and memorabilia is expected to draw attention from collectors at Bonhams' sports memorabilia auction in Chester, UK on February 20.
 The programme features a central team photograph which each of the players has signed above their portrait |
Leading bids among the items on offer is a "The Red Devils" souvenir booklet, which has been signed by the full team and is accompanied by a 1956-1957 training rules and players handbook. It is expected to sell for £800-1,000 ($1,300-1,600).
The Busby Babes was the name given to Manchester United's promising young squad who, under the management of Matt Busby, won the league championship in the 1955-56 and 1956-57 seasons. Tragically, much of the team were killed in a plane crash as they returned from a successful European cup match in 1958.
Sports memorabilia collectors have been preserving their memory ever since, with items relating to the young stars always selling well at auction. PFC Auctions is currently offering an autograph book containing 27 signatures from the Busby Babes, which is in fantastic condition and is currently open for bids at £100.
Bonhams will also offer a limited edition print of the team's "last line-up", which is taken from the famous image of the Busby Babes before their final European fixture. It will sell for £200-300 ($320-470).
Sharing this estimate is a black and white team picture, which was removed from a programme and has been signed by nine members of the team. Unfortunately, it has numerous repairs and has been pieced together with tape, which has lowered its valuation.
