A bound volume of programmes from Town’s inaugural 1938/39 Football League season is to be auctioned off by Lockdales later this month.
"This is a very unusual collection,” said James Sadler, the auction manager of Lockdales, which is based in Martlesham.
"Every programme, league and cup, is there all bar a very few. We’re getting a huge interest from all over the country.”
The sale takes place on January 26th and there is an initial guide price on the lot of £400-£450.
Town kicked off in 1938 with a 4-2 home win over Southend in front of 19,242 at Portman Road with the Essex party sailing up the coast for the game by ship. They were met in front of the Customs House by Blues chairman Ivan Cobbold and his directors.
Scott Duncan’s Town finished seventh in their first season of Division Three South football with the campaign ending on a glittering note with 19,209 watching First Division Aston Villa win the Hospital Cup 3-2 on Suffolk soil.
Also in the auction will be a very rare single programme from Town’s first match in Europe after winning the First Division crown in 1962 (pictured).
Sir Alf Ramsey’s men beat Maltese club Floriana 4-1 in a European Cup preliminary round first leg in front of 15,784 at the Empire Stadium. The Blues won the second leg 10-0 back on Suffolk soil. The guide price for the Floriana away programme is £40-£50.
Visit the Lockdales website for full details on the the lots and other items in the sale.