An Australian cricket fan had reportedly snapped up Australian cricketing legend Sir Donald Bradman's parting gift to retired Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar in an online bargain, before publicity about the item reached the rest of the world.
A large 400 x 300 mm black and white photograph of Bradman and Australian cricketer-turned commentator Jack Fingleton walking out to bat at the MCG during a Test in 1937, which was signed by Bradman, was sold for 6500 dollars having caught the attention of a local cricket fanatic.
According to News.com.au, antique dealer Michael Treloar, who sold the image, revealed that the photograph was signed by Bradman as a gift inscription to Tendulkar during Bradman's 90th birthday celebrations in 1998, although the item never fell into the hands of Tendulkar as the presentation did not go ahead as planned.
Treloar further said that the item later changed hands, adding that he was unaware that his 24/7-selling website was operating overtime, following which the item was bought off the auction site.
Treloar expects the value of the picture to rise appreciably following 200-Test superstar Tendulkar's retirement, global publicity and its unique back story, saying that the item was one of a kind, adding that Sachin rarely signed items that were given to individuals.
Treloar also has former Australian captain Joe Darling's personal, glazed picture of the formidable 1902 tour party to England for sale, an Edwardian pen and ink stand with a silver plated statuette of WG Grace and Invincibles signature sheets, the report added.
