Original 1911 F.A. Cup Design Drawing by Fattorini & Sons to Feature in Romance of the Cup Auction
A truly unique and historically important piece of football heritage is set to go under the hammer in our Romance of the Cup Auction on the 11th of February 2026.
The original life-size pencil drawing submitted by Fattorini & Sons, the winning design for the iconic F.A. Cup trophy introduced in 1911 - a design that has become synonymous with the world’s oldest national football competition.
Measuring 65 x 42cm (80 x 60cm framed and glazed), the drawing is inscribed “THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR THE ENGLISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CUP” and is signed and dated by the artist. The piece has been preserved by the Fattorini family for over a century and is offered with direct family provenance. This is its first ever appearance on the open market.
In 1911, the Football Association commissioned a new cup design after the previous version (used from 1896-1910) was presented to Lord Kinnaird upon his 21st anniversary as F.A. President. The need for a new trophy became urgent after Manchester United’s 1909 team created their own replica, showing that the F.A. did not legally own the design rights to the previous version.
Out of approximately 150 submissions, the design by renowned jewellers Fattorini & Sons of Bradford was selected - and has since become one of the most recognised trophies in world sport.
This is a rare and possibly unrepeatable opportunity to acquire the artwork that shaped football history. The lot is expected to attract intense interest from collectors, museums, and football institutions globally, and carries an estimate of £20,000-30,000.
Auction Details:
Lot Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026 (Auction start at 11am)
Estimate: £20,000-30,000
Provenance: Fattorini & Sons, by family descent
The original and unique Fattorini & Sons drawing for the winning design of the F.A.Cup
The original, unique and historical original Fattorini & Sons drawing for the winning design of the F.A.Cup, 1911, the life size pencil drawing inscribed THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR THE ENGLISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CUP, signed and dated, image 65 x 42cm.
Estimate £20,000 to £30,000